Is Ruslan Ponomariov A-List?
No — Ruslan Ponomariov is currently ranked C tier — recognizable within their niche but with limited mainstream visibility.
Reached A-list in 2002
FIDE World Champion Victory
Lost A-list status in 2004
Dropped to B tier — Title Reign Ends
Ranking Timeline
Young Grandmaster Emerges
Ponomariov becomes one of the youngest grandmasters, attracting attention in the chess world.
FIDE World Champion Victory
Ponomariov becomes the FIDE World Chess Champion, significantly boosting his profile and earnings.
Title Reign Ends
Ponomariov's reign as FIDE World Champion ends, but he remains a prominent figure in chess.
Ukrainian Champion Crowned
Ponomariov wins the Ukrainian Chess Championship, adding to his accomplishments.
Continued Tournament Play
Ponomariov continues to compete in major chess tournaments, maintaining his activity in the chess community.
Chess Coaching and Commentary
Ponomariov engages in chess coaching and commentary, expanding his income streams.
Respected Chess Grandmaster
Ponomariov remains a respected chess grandmaster, with income from tournaments, coaching, and commentary.
Last updated: February 21, 2026