Gukesh, Humpy among four Indians in 2024 highest chess earners list

The newly crowned world champion Gukesh Dommaraju was the highest-earning chess player in the world from tournament prize money in 2024.

Besides, three other Indians – Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, Koneru Humpy, and Arjun Erigaisi – also made it to the top 15 in the list.

As per a report in chess.com, Gukesh raked over $1.57 million in eight major events last year. The 18-year-old from Tamil Nadu pocketed over one million dollars from the World Championship match in Singapore itself. Former world champion and Gukesh's opponent Ding Liren was the second-highest earner, winning over $1.18 million from five tournaments.

GM Alireza Firouzja ($639,173), five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen ($633,369), and GM Fabiano Caruana ($456,520) capped off the top five positions in the list.

India's Praggnanandhaa took up the ninth spot with $202,136 in 12 events whereas Arjun Erigaisi, who crossed the 2800-rating barrier, pocketed $119,767 in nine events to be slotted 15th.

Koneru Humpy, who was crowned the women's world rapid champion in late December, meanwhile was placed 13th with $123,497 in just four major events.

Humpy was also the second highest earner among women with China's Ju Wenjun earning $170,386.

All in all a total of 17 players from across the globe earned more than $100,000 in 2024 with tournament prize money.