Is Kirsan Ilyumzhinov A-List?
NoC
No — Kirsan Ilyumzhinov is currently ranked C tier — recognizable within their niche but with limited mainstream visibility.
Reached A-list in 1995
FIDE President
Lost A-list status in 2015
Dropped to B tier — US Sanctions
Ranking Timeline
1993B$10M
President of Kalmykia
Elected President of Kalmykia, entering politics.
1995A▲$20M+$10M
FIDE President
Elected President of FIDE, international recognition.
1998A$30M+$10M
Chess City Development
Oversees development of Chess City in Kalmykia.
2015B▼$40M+$10M
US Sanctions
Faces US sanctions, affecting his business interests.
2018C▼$45M+$5M
Resigns from FIDE
Resigns from FIDE presidency, ending long tenure.
2026C$50M+$5M
Businessman and Chess Advocate
Continues as a businessman and advocates for chess. Remains a controversial, but prominent figure.
Last updated: February 21, 2026