Susan Polgar

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Covers

Records

Susan Polgar's list of achievements is unmatched in women's chess. She was the first woman to earn the Grandmaster title in over a decade, and the first person ever to hold the triple crown. Her 12 Olympic medals place her among the most decorated chess players of all time. As a coach, she led Webster University's SPICE team to two collegiate world championships, building a dynasty that dominated college chess. Her induction into both the US and World Chess Halls of Fame cements her legacy as a pioneer who opened doors for generations of female players.

AwardsSusan Polgar has won every major title the chess world offers. She was Women's World Chess Champion from 1996 to 1999. She is the first person ever to hold the triple crown, reigning as world champion in classical, rapid, and blitz simultaneously. At the Women's Chess Olympiad she collected 12 medals, including 5 golds, representing Hungary and the United States. She also captained the US women's team to its first Olympic gold in 2004.

Honours & Distinctions

US Chess Hall of Fame

US Chess Federation·2015

Inducted for her contributions to chess.

World Chess Hall of Fame

World Chess Hall of Fame·2016

Inducted as one of the greatest players in history.

Great Immigrants Honoree

Carnegie Corporation·2016

Recognized for her contributions as a naturalized US citizen.

Rankings & Lists

World's number-one ranked female player

FIDE·1984

Third woman to earn the Grandmaster title

FIDE·1991

Magazine Covers

The New York Times

2026-07-16

Duchamp Chess at MoMA

The Times of Israel

2025-10-01

A Chess Queen Recounts Her Journey

Rediff

2026-02-06

Queen of Chess is Powerful OTT

El País

2026-02-13

The Chess Master Taught to Beat Men

Records & Feats

First person to hold the chess triple crown

Historic First·1996

Simultaneously held world titles in classical, rapid, and blitz chess.

First woman to earn the Grandmaster title in 13 years

Career Milestone·1991

Became the third woman ever to achieve the Grandmaster title.

Most Olympic medals by a female chess player

Career Milestone·2004

Won 12 medals at the Women's Chess Olympiad.