Is Ding Liren A-List?
NoB
No — Ding Liren is currently ranked B tier — a well-known figure with a strong career but not quite a household name.
Reached A-list in 2023
World Chess Champion
Lost A-list status in 2024
Dropped to B tier — Loses Title
Ranking Timeline
2009C$0.01M
Becomes a Grandmaster
Earns the title of Grandmaster at age 16.
2017B▲$0.1M+$0.09000000000000001M
First Chinese Player 2800+
First Chinese player to surpass 2800 Elo rating.
2019B$0.3M+$0.19999999999999998M
Candidates Tournament Qualification
Qualifies for the Candidates Tournament.
2022B$0.5M+$0.2M
Candidates Tournament Runner Up
Finishes 2nd in the Candidates Tournament.
2023A▲$1M+$0.5M
World Chess Champion
Becomes the 17th World Chess Champion.
2024B▼$1.5M+$0.5M
Loses Title
Loses to title to Dommaraju Gukesh.
2026B$2M+$0.5M
Chess Analyst and Commentator
Remains a top chess player and commentator.
Last updated: February 25, 2026