Is Viktor Korchnoi A-List?
NoB
No — Viktor Korchnoi is currently ranked B tier — a well-known figure with a strong career but not quite a household name.
Reached A-list in 1978
World Championship Challenge
Lost A-list status in 2006
Dropped to B tier — Continued Chess Success
Ranking Timeline
1960B$0.1M
Soviet Chess Champion
Becomes Soviet Chess Champion early on.
1976B$0.2M+$0.1M
Defection from Soviet Union
Defects to the West, career changes.
1978A▲$0.5M+$0.3M
World Championship Challenge
Challenges Karpov for World Championship.
1981A$1M+$0.5M
Second Karpov Match Loss
Loses second match to Karpov.
2006B▼$3M+$2M
Continued Chess Success
Maintains high ranking in chess world.
2016B$5M+$2M
Death of Chess Legend
Passed away after a long chess career.
2026B$5M
Chess Legacy Endures
Legacy remains as a chess icon.
Last updated: February 25, 2026