Arena Grandmasters: Real Strength, Real Players

“Invisible titles don’t mean invisible strength.”

Why can't I play Titled Arenas?

I’m a verified Arena Grandmaster (AGM) from the FIDE Online Arena — the official FIDE platform. I’ve played and even drawn or beaten titled players. I keep those games saved publicly in my profile so anyone can follow my progress.

Still, I can’t participate in Lichess Titled Arenas.Why? Because FOA titles aren't recognized here.

Is that fair?

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Real players. Real strength.

I’ve compiled a dataset of over 100 FOA-titled players. Here’s a small portion to illustrate their real strength — many are stronger than Lichess FMs:

These aren’t casual online blitz players. Their strength is real — often stronger than typical FIDE Candidate Masters and even FMs.

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What can Lichess do?

I completely understand:Adding all Arena titles would weaken the meaning of the titled badge.

But here’s a fair compromise:

Recognize only AGM (Arena Grandmaster) as eligible for titled status on Lichess.

Why AGM?

• AGM requires ID verification
• AGM reflects true over-the-board strength.
• AGM players consistently prove themselves online and in FIDE events.
• AGM is exclusive — fewer than 400 players in the world hold this title.

Lower Arena titles like AFM or AIM can still serve as motivation. If someone is truly strong, they’ll push for AGM — and that’s exactly the kind of meritocratic environment Lichess supports.

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Community means fairness

Recognizing AGMs wouldn’t dilute the prestige of titled events. It would include real, deserving players who have already earned recognition from FIDE itself.

And if not full titled rights — why not at least a badge or Titled Arena access?

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Let’s fix the badge, not break the community.