Yeoh Li Tian is a professional chess player who recently became the first Malaysian chess Grandmaster, find out more about him, his FIDE ranking and his achievements below
Yeoh secured the new title, placing him among the world’s elite, following his win at the 2025 GM-IM Invitational in Kuala Lumpur.
Who is Yeoh Li Tian, first Malaysian chess Grandmaster: Biography, age, FIDE world ranking and net worth
25-year-old Yeoh Li Tian has become Malaysia’s first-ever chess Grandmaster after winning the GM-IM Invitational Chess Championship.
The title is a lifelong honour and places Yeoh among an elite group of fewer than 2,000 grandmasters worldwide.
— BFM News (@NewsBFM) August 4, 2025
For the first time in Malaysia’s history, we finally have a Chess Grandmaster.
The highest title awarded in the world of chess goes to 25-year-old Yeoh Li Tian.
Hailing from Petaling Jaya, he officially won the highly coveted title after winning the GM-IM Invitational Chess… pic.twitter.com/oxFGuKO2j9
— The Rakyat Post (@therakyatpost) August 4, 2025
Yeoh Li Tian becomes Malaysia’s First Chess Grandmaster
Yeoh Li Tian has made Malaysian sports history by becoming the nation’s first chess Grandmaster. The 25-year-old secured the new title after recently winning the prestigious GM-IM Invitational Chess Championship 2025 in Kuala Lumpur. Yeoh’s victory helped him secure the critical “third norm” necessary to qualify for the Grandmaster (GM) title. It also helped him push his FIDE rating above the 2500 mark, further sealing the deal.
Following his achievement, he stated:
Getting my final norm on home soil makes it even more special. I narrowly missed out during the 2022 SEA Games in Hanoi, so this really means a lot.”
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) is the official governing body that awards the Grandmaster title for life. Yeoh is now among a global elite of fewer than 2,000 players to attain the title.
Yeoh Li Tian biography and age
Yeoh Li Tian is a professional chess star who was born on October 16, 1999, in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. He is currently just 25 years old, but he has already made a lasting impact on the international chess scene despite his young age. Yeoh has become a symbol of Malaysian talent following his new achievement, signifying dedication and grit.
Education
Yeoh Li Tian obtained his education from Catholic High School in Petaling Jaya.
Career and achievements
Yeoh Li Tian started out playing chess at the young age of three and quickly demonstrated his prodigious talent. He is a two-time Malaysian Chess Champion and gained prominence after earning a bronze medal in the men’s rapid event at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. Despite facing setbacks like missing a GM norm at the 2022 SEA Games, he has pushed forward over the years. His recent 2025 win in Kuala Lumpur marks the culmination of years of effort and has officially earned him the Grandmaster title.
FIDE Rating
As of August 2025, Yeoh holds a FIDE rating of 2490, which is slightly below his peak of 2530 back in September 2019.
Yeoh Li Tian. Full name. Li Tian Yeoh. Born. 1999 (age 26). Place of birth. Federation. Malaysia. World Ranking · 2490. Classical · 2425.
His net worth is between $100,000-$500,000.
Wife and Children
As of now, there are no details about Yeoh Li Tian ever getting married or having children, since he prefers to keep his personal life private.