If you thought the chess world was cooling down after a packed 2025, think again, because the December 2025 FIDE ratings are here to shake things up like a wildcard surprise. Indian chess fans, get ready to cheer: Arjun Erigaisi storms back into the top 5, while World Champion Gukesh D holds steady at 10.
It’s a massive moment for India, as three Indians remain in the top 10, proving players are dominating the global board even as the year wraps up. From recent tournaments buzzing with upsets and comebacks, these ratings reflect pure grit and momentum heading into 2026.
December 2025 FIDE Ratings: Top 10 Breakdown
The top spot in the December 2025 FIDE ratings stays rock-solid with Magnus Carlsen, whose rating edges up slightly after some low-profile events, reminding everyone why he’s the benchmark for dominance. Close behind, Hikaru Nakamura clings to second, but the real fireworks hit at number 5 where Arjun Erigaisi leaps back in with a blistering climb, gaining crucial points from his recent tournament wins that silenced doubters.
Gukesh D, our reigning World Champ, sits at 10 after a steady but not explosive run, still elite, but the pressure of the crown shows in those fine margins. Fabiano Caruana at 3, holding strong with his speed-chess flair spilling into classical. Then there’s Vincent Keymer at 4, Alireza Firouzja at 6, while Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu lurks at 7, the other Indian star keeping the pressure on his rivals. Anish Giri and Wei Yi rounds out 8-9 in the December 2025 FIDE Ratings.
India’s triple-threat shines brightest here, Erigaisi’s top-5 return is the comeback story we craved, fueled by back-to-back strong showings that boosted his ELO by double digits. Gukesh at 10 isn’t dropping bombs, but with his championship pedigree, expect fireworks soon.
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December 2025 FIDE Ratings Top 10
| Rank | Name | Fed | Rating | B-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carlsen, Magnus | NOR | 2840 | 1990 |
| 2 | Nakamura, Hikaru | USA | 2810 | 1987 |
| 3 | Caruana, Fabiano | USA | 2795 | 1992 |
| 4 | Keymer, Vincent | GER | 2776 | 2004 |
| 5 | Erigaisi, Arjun | IND | 2775 | 2003 |
| 6 | Firouzja, Alireza | FRA | 2762 | 2003 |
| 7 | Praggnanandhaa R | IND | 2761 | 2005 |
| 8 | Giri, Anish | NED | 2760 | 1994 |
| 9 | Wei, Yi | CHN | 2754 | 1999 |
| 10 | Gukesh D | IND | 2754 | 2006 |
Also read: The 4 Greatest Comebacks in Chess History
