Alfred Binet, a French psychologist, developed the first official IQ test in the early 20th century to measure intellectual abilities. An average IQ score is set at 100, with most people scoring between 85 and 115. Scores above 130 are often considered superior, while scores below 70 may indicate intellectual disabilities. These tests remain crucial tools in assessing cognitive abilities across various fields.
What does it mean to have a high IQ? Having a high IQ typically means possessing exceptional cognitive abilities such as advanced problem-solving, reasoning, and analytical skills. Individuals with high IQs often excel in tasks that require logical thinking, pattern recognition, and abstract reasoning.
Giga Society has released the list of the top 10 people alive with the world’s highest recorded IQs in 2025. GIGA Society is an extremely high-IQ society for those who score at or above IQ 190 (SD 15) on an acceptable high-range IQ test.
As per the Giga Society, below are the top 10 individuals with the highest IQs. These individuals are known for their remarkable intelligence across various domains like mathematics, chess, and medical sciences.
- YoungHoon Kim, IQ 276
- Terence Tao, IQ 230
- Marilyn Vos Savant, IQ 228
- Christopher Hirata, IQ 225
- Sho Yano, IQ 200
- Evangelos Katsioulis, IQ 198
- Christopher Harding, IQ 197
- Christopher Langan, IQ 195
- Rick Rosner, IQ 192
- Garry Kasparov, IQ 190
Top 10 individuals with the highest IQ in the world
1. YoungHoon Kim, IQ 276
YoungHoon Kim, from South Korea, holds the highest recorded IQ of 276 as of 2024. His score is validated by several organizations, including the Korea Record Institute and the World Genius Directory. YoungHoon Kim’s high IQ scores were verified by the GIGA Society, Yale Clinical Neuroscientist PhD, Olympiq Society, Mega Society, Triple Nine Society, and Mensa. His expertise spans psychology, neuroscience, and linguistics, highlighting his remarkable contributions to various fields.
2. Terence Tao, IQ 230
Terence Tao, an Australian-American mathematician, is renowned for his exceptional contributions to harmonic analysis, partial differential equations, and additive combinatorics. A prodigy, he earned his Ph.D. from Princeton at age 20 and became a full professor at UCLA by 24. In 2006, he was awarded the Fields Medal for his groundbreaking work, solidifying his reputation as one of the foremost mathematicians of his time.
3. Marilyn Vos Savant, IQ 228
Marilyn vos Savant is an American author and columnist recognized for her exceptional IQ, once listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. She became widely known for her "Ask Marilyn" column in Parade magazine, where she addressed complex questions on topics like puzzles, logic, and philosophy. Her intellectual contributions and engaging approach have made her a prominent figure in discussions about cognitive science and intelligence.
4. Christopher Hirata, IQ 225
Christopher Hirata, a Japanese-American astrophysicist, is celebrated for his exceptional intellect and mathematical talent. At just 13, he became the youngest American to secure a gold medal at the International Physics Olympiad. Enrolling at Caltech at 14, he earned a Ph.D. in astrophysics from Princeton by 22. Hirata’s work in cosmology, gravitational lensing, and dark energy has advanced our understanding of the universe’s structure. He has received numerous accolades, including the MacArthur Fellowship, for his pioneering contributions to theoretical astrophysics.
5. Sho Yano, IQ 200
Sho Yano is a prodigy celebrated for his extraordinary intellect and early achievements. He graduated from the University of Chicago at just 12, setting a record as its youngest bachelor's degree recipient. Continuing his academic journey, he earned a medical degree from the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine at 21, becoming one of the youngest doctors in the U.S. Yano has contributed significantly to genetics and molecular biology, with impactful research and publications marking his distinguished career.
6. Evangelos Katsioulis, IQ 198
Evangelos Katsioulis, a Greek psychiatrist and member of high IQ societies, is renowned for his extraordinary intellect. He holds multiple advanced degrees, including a medical degree, and master's degrees in medical research methodology and philosophy. With one of the highest recorded IQs globally, he actively contributes to education and intellectual discussions. Katsioulis is well-regarded for his work in psychiatry, philosophy, and education, often engaging in conferences and lectures that span a wide range of disciplines.
7. Christopher Harding, IQ 197
Christopher Harding, an Australian known for his exceptional intelligence, founded the International Society for Philosophical Enquiry (ISPE), one of the oldest high-IQ societies globally. Born in 1944, he gained recognition for his IQ, estimated between 196 and 197. From 1966 to 1988, he was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records under the category "Smartest Man in the World," highlighting his remarkable intellectual accomplishments.
8. Christopher Langan, IQ 195
Christopher Langan, renowned for his exceptionally high IQ of approximately 195, is often described as a self-taught genius. Despite facing a challenging childhood and not completing formal higher education, he excelled in various roles, including construction worker and cowboy. Langan gained recognition for developing the “Cognitive-Theoretic Model of the Universe” (CTMU), a framework aiming to integrate science, philosophy, and theology into a unified theory. His intellectual achievements highlight his unique ability to bridge complex disciplines and practical life experiences.
9. Rick Rosner, IQ 192
Rick Rosner, with an IQ reportedly around 192, is known for his intellect and unique career path. He has worked as a writer for TV shows like "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" and "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire." Rosner also gained attention by participating in various game shows, where his knowledge and eccentric background captivated viewers.
10. Garry Kasparov, IQ 190
Garry Kasparov is a legendary Russian chess grandmaster and former World Chess Champion, known for revolutionizing chess with his aggressive, dynamic style. He became the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion at 22 in 1985, holding the title for over a decade. Kasparov's strategic brilliance earned him global recognition. After retiring from competitive chess, he became a vocal political activist, advocating for democracy and human rights in Russia.
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