Is Michael Adams A-List?
NoB
No — Michael Adams is currently ranked B tier — a well-known figure with a strong career but not quite a household name.
Reached A-list in 2000
Peak World Ranking
Lost A-list status in 2010
Dropped to B tier — British Champion Again
Ranking Timeline
1989C$0.05M
Becomes a Grandmaster
Gains Grandmaster title, starting his chess career.
1999B▲$0.1M+$0.05M
British Champion
Wins British Chess Championship, becoming prominent.
2000A▲$0.3M+$0.19999999999999998M
Peak World Ranking
Reaches world No. 4, a pinnacle of his career.
2002A$0.4M+$0.10000000000000003M
Dortmund Runner-Up
Finishes as runner-up in Dortmund tournament.
2010B▼$0.7M+$0.29999999999999993M
British Champion Again
Wins another British championship.
2018B$0.9M+$0.20000000000000007M
Ninth British Title
Wins his ninth British Chess Championship.
2026B$1M+$0.09999999999999998M
Chess Legend
Considered an English chess legend, remains respected.
Last updated: February 23, 2026