To earn a World Chess Title, you need a Platinum or Black membership, a connected FIDE ID, and a rating that meets the title requirements. If you’re new to World Chess, start with our step-by-step guide to registering and choosing a membership plan.
Once you reach the required Online Elo and keep it for the required number of games, your title is awarded automatically.
What do I need?
A Platinum or Black membership
A connected FIDE ID. Don’t have one? You can create a FIDE ID directly through World Chess — see How to get or connect your FIDE ID.
Rated tournament games on World Chess
Which games count toward a title?
All rated games, both lobby and tournament, affect your Online Elo. However, only tournament games count toward the number of games required for a title (50 / 100 / 150). Lobby games can raise your rating, but they won’t move your title progress forward.
World Chess Title requirements
Title | Rating | Rapid | Blitz | Bullet |
👑 Arena Grandmaster (AGM) | 2000+ | 50 games | 100 games | 150 games |
👑 Arena International Master (AIM) | 1700+ | 50 games | 100 games | 150 games |
👑 Arena FIDE Master (AFM) | 1400+ | 50 games | 100 games | 150 games |
👑 Arena Candidate Master (ACM) | 1100+ | 50 games | 100 games | 150 games |
Can I play for a title before upgrading?
Yes. Your tournament games count toward title progress even without a Platinum or Black membership. If you’ve already met the requirements, you’ll receive your title right after you upgrade and connect your FIDE ID.
Can I skip titles?
Yes, if your starting rating is high enough. For example, if you have an over-the-board (OTB) FIDE rating, it’s converted into your World Chess Online Elo when you connect your FIDE ID. If your converted rating is 1400 or higher, you can go straight for AFM without earning ACM first.
What if my rating drops during the qualifying games?
Your progress isn’t lost. You’ll receive the highest title your rating qualifies for.
Example: you have no titles yet and your starting rating is 1800 thanks to your OTB rating, so you’re working toward AIM (1700+). You complete 50 Rapid tournament games, but:
you finish at 1650, or
you finish at 1750, but dropped below 1700 at some point along the way.
In both cases you’ll receive AFM, because your rating stayed above 1400 throughout. Your game count does not reset.
The only exception is ACM, the first title. If you’re working toward ACM and your rating drops below 1100, your game count starts over.
Where will I see my title?
Your title appears in your World Chess profile and on your profile at fide.com. If you don’t see it right away, don’t worry: it can take a little time to sync.
Will I get a certificate?
Yes! You can download your title certificate in your profile on the World Chess website.
Titles are included in the Platinum and Black memberships at no extra cost.