Armenian chess players, including those of Armenian descent, have long been among the very best in the world. They have included:
- Garry Kasparov (long #1, thought by many to have been the best ever)
- Tigran Petrosian (#1 in 1963-1969, and four-time winner of the Soviet Championships in 1959, 1961, 1969, and 1975)
- Gabriel Sargissian[1]
- Levon Aronian (a top U.S. chess player)