Here comes the monthly column of the Chess Power Rankings. We make a top 10 list of elite players according to their strength, form, influence, and potential. There was some change from the March Top 10 list, because of the American Cup 2023 where four players were playing from the list. You can read more about the tournament in our article. Besides that, not much happened in the chess world in the last month.

1. Magnus Carlsen

Last time: 1st

World Ranking: 1, Rating: 2853 (+1)

The reigning world champion and the leader of the world ranking is still at the top of our ranking. The World Championship Match is knocking on the door and it will be interesting to see if any of the contenders give a performance to question Carlsen’s place on the list.

2. Ian Nepomniachtchi

Last time: 2nd

World Ranking: 2, Rating: 2795

Ian did not play any game in March, as he was preparing for his title match against Ding Liren. He already has a title game experience, which can give him an advantage.

3. Ding Liren

Last time: 3rd

World Ranking: 3, Rating: 2788

The same applies to Ding Liren. He didn’t play in March as he was preparing for the World Championship match. We are expecting a close result.

4. Hikaru Nakamura

Last time: 7th

World Ranking: 5 (+1), Rating: 2775 (+7)

In the American Cup, Nakamura showed a dominant performance. He was undefeated in the standard time control and gained 7 rating points. His performance catapulted him into our top 5. We will see him in an action against the best soon, as he already confirmed his participation in the Norway Chess 2023 in May.

5. Anish Giri

Last time: 4th

World Ranking: 6, Rating: 2768

Giri lost one place in the rankings because of Nakamura’s excellent performance. He didn’t play in March and most probably he will sit out in April too. Next time we will see him on the Grand Chess Tour in Bucharest in early May.

6. Alireza Firouzja

Last time: 5th

World Ranking: 4, Rating: 2785

The wait is over. Firouzja confirmed he will play on the Grand Chess Tour and in Norway Chess 2023. The top junior on the list has not played a single over-the-board tournament since September. As he is one of the most exciting chess players, we will watch his performance closely.

7. Wesley So

Last time: 8th

World Ranking: 8, Rating: 2760 (-1)

Wesley So had a good March, as he finished second in the American Cup last month. With all his standard games ending in a draw, he eliminated his opponents, which included Aronian, Caruana, Shankland and Nakamura too, in the rapid games.

8. Fabiano Caruana

Last time: 6th

World Ranking: 7, Rating: 2764 (-2)

Another month, and another not good enough performance from Caruana. In the American Cup, Wesley So eliminated him in the second round from the Championship Bracket and right after it, Aronian ended his tournament in the Elimination Bracket.

9. Gukesh D

Last time: 9th

World Ranking: 20 (-2), Rating: 2730 After playing a lot in the first two months of the year, Gukesh took a month off. As March was a quiet month in chess, he kept his place in the rankings.

10. Levon Aronian

Last time: 10th

World Ranking: 11, Rating: 2745

Aronian gave us an average performance in the American Cup. Dominguez Perez eliminated him from the Championship Bracket in the first round with two draws in the standard game. After that, he had a good run in the Elimination Bracket. It is good to see that he can keep up with the younger generation.

Upcoming tournaments in April:

The most important event of the year is happening in April, the World Championship Match. You can follow the games on King Watcher.