World Chess Hall of Fame
The World Chess Hall of Fame honors the most legendary chess players, influential figures, and innovative contributors from around the globe whose profound impact has shaped chess history and inspired generations. Representatives of the World Chess Federation (Fédération Internationale des Échecs, FIDE) select a new class of inductees each year, recognizing unparalleled global achievement in chess.
Emanuel Lasker
inducted 2001
Wilhelm (William) Steinitz
inducted 1987 (U.S.) | 2001 (World)
Mikhail Botvinnik
inducted 2003
Boris Spassky
inducted 2003
Pia Cramling
inducted 2025
Susan Polgar
inducted 2019 (U.S.) | 2023 (World)
Miguel Najdorf
inducted 2021
Viktor Korchnoi
inducted 2017
Elizaveta (Elizabeth) Bykova
inducted 2013
Alla Kushnir
inducted 2017
Maya Chiburdanidze
inducted 2014
Aron Nimzowitsch
inducted 2018
