Wesley So

Wesley So is a three-time U.S. Champion (2017, 2020, 2021) and two-time Grand Chess Tour Champion (2016, 2021). Originally from the Philippines, Wesley So transferred federations to the United States in 2013. Since then, he has represented the U.S. in multiple Olympiads. His record of success across both individual and team competitions makes Wesley So one of the most accomplished American chess players of his generation.

Wesley So’s Olympiad Record

So won both team and individual gold medals at the Baku Olympiad in 2016. In addition, he earned team silver medals at the Batumi Olympiad in 2018 and the Budapest Olympiad in 2024. He was especially clutch in Budapest. Notably, So secured wins against world top-ten rated players in the last two rounds. These results highlight his ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stage in international team chess.

So’s World Ranking and Fischer Random Title

Currently rated 11th in the world at 2753, So has been ranked as high as number two. Moreover, his peak FIDE rating of 2822 places him fifth all time. In 2019, So defeated Magnus Carlsen in the inaugural FIDE Fischer Random World Championship final. The score was a staggering 13.5 to Carlsen’s 2.5. As a result, So became the first official World Champion of Chess 960. This dominant victory over the world’s top-rated classical player cemented his standing among the all-time greats of the game.

Wesley So’s Match Play and the American Cup

Wesley’s solid style of play is well suited for matches. He has demonstrated this consistently throughout his career. Furthermore, So has finished second twice in the American Cup, in both 2023 and 2024. His repeated runner-up finishes reflect both his competitive strength and his resilience in high-stakes match play events. Is this the year Wesley So finally claims the American Cup title?