Five Uzbek grandmasters secured places in the global top 100 in the International Chess Federation’s (FIDE) December 2025 rankings.
Nodirbek Abdusattorov continues to lead Uzbekistan’s rankings, though his global position has shifted over the past year. In December 2024, Abdusattorov was ranked sixth in the world with a rating of 2768, despite losing nine points at the time. By December 2025, he stands 12th with 2750 points, reflecting both increased competition at the top and a recalibration following major tournaments.
The 20-year-old grandmaster exited the youth rankings in 2024 after turning 21, having led that category for several months. In 2025, he rebounded with a strong performance at the London Chess Classic, gaining 18 points and climbing five places in the latest standings.
Javokhir Sindarov has recorded one of the most consistent improvements among Uzbek players. In December 2024, he ranked 37th with 2692 points. A year later, Sindorov has risen to 21st place, increasing his rating to 2729, firmly establishing himself among the world’s elite.
Nodirbek Yakubboev, who slipped from 62nd to 67th in December 2024 with 2659 points, has since reversed that trend. He now ranks 36th with 2691 points, marking a significant year-on-year climb in both position and rating.
Veteran grandmaster Rustam Kasimdzhanov ranked 45th in December 2024 with 2683 points. In the latest rankings, he occupies 51st place with 2664 points, reflecting a slight drop in rating amid fierce competition. Meanwhile, Shamsiddin Vokhidov moved down the rankings over the year. After placing 52nd with 2670 points in December 2024, he now ranks 85th with 2641 points.
In the FIDE national team rankings, the Uzbekistan Chess Federation is placed 12th with a total of 2606 points.
Uzbekistan is also represented in the FIDE Women’s Top 100. Sixteen-year-old Afruza Khamdamova ranks 41st with 2403 points, while Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova occupies 79th place with 2363 points.
The Uzbekistan women’s national team climbed to 15th place in the latest FIDE rankings, improving its score to 2258 points, up from 2228 points and 19th position last month.
Earlier reports also highlighted strong performances by Uzbekistan’s youth chess players. The national youth team finished first overall at the World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships for players aged 9–17, held in Antalya, Turkiye, from December 16 to 21. They won a total of 12 medals — five gold, two silver, and five bronze — to top the team standings ahead of host nation Turkiye and the FIDE team.
