Garry Kasparov discussed the state of the Grandmaster title in an interview, expressing concern that it has undergone inflation over time. He acknowledged the genuine accomplishments of contemporary Grandmasters while suggesting that the title no longer carries the same weight it once did. Kasparov pointed out that in earlier eras, knowing every Grandmaster by name was feasible, a distinction that no longer applies.
The former world champion attributed the proliferation of Grandmasters to changes in how young players develop their chess skills. Children now begin chess training at younger ages and have access to computer analysis and online coaching that accelerates their progress. These tools allow aspiring players to gain competitive experience much faster than players of Kasparov's generation could.
The inflation Kasparov describes is reflected in the current landscape of elite chess. Young players routinely defeat Grandmasters in tournament play, a phenomenon Kasparov does not view as evidence that modern champions are weaker, but rather as a sign that the Grandmaster designation has become more accessible. While Kasparov stopped short of minimizing the achievements of today's titled players, he maintained that the rarity and prestige associated with the rank have diminished considerably.