Who Are The Top 10 People With The Highest IQ In The World?
Among the most exclusive high-intelligence groups is the Giga Society, which only admits members who achieve scores of 190 or higher on recognised high-range IQ tests.
The concept of IQ was introduced by William Stern (1871-1938), a German psychologist. Alfred Binet along with his colleague, Theodore Simon created the world's first official IQ test in the 1900s, which has significantly influenced the measurement of intelligence and the development of subsequent tests still in use today. IQ scores are standardised with an average of 100, with most people scoring between 85 and 115. A score above 130 is typically considered a sign of exceptional intellect, while scores below 70 may indicate cognitive difficulties or developmental delays.
Among the most exclusive high-intelligence groups is the Giga Society, which only admits members who achieve scores of 190 or higher on recognised high-range IQ tests. Here are the top 10 individuals with the highest verified IQs:
Rank 1 – YoungHoon Kim, IQ 276, South Korea
South Korean native YoungHoon Kim holds the highest recorded IQ in the world as of 2024. Renowned organisations such as the World Genius Directory and the Giga Society have officially recognised his exceptional intelligence. Beyond his remarkable cognitive abilities, Kim is esteemed for his extensive work across various fields, including psychology, neuroscience, and linguistics, where his significant contributions underscore the breadth of his brilliance.
Australian-American mathematician Terence Tao is renowned for his work in number theory and harmonic analysis. A prodigy from a young age, he earned his PhD at 20 and became a professor at UCLA by 24. Tao, who was awarded the Fields Medal in 2006, is admired for his problem-solving skills, both individually and collaboratively.
Rank 3 – Marilyn vos Savant, IQ 228, American
Marilyn Vos Savant is an American writer and columnist, renowned for her long-running 'Ask Marilyn" column in Parade magazine. Recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records for her exceptionally high IQ, she is a prominent yet occasionally controversial figure in discussions about intelligence and critical thinking.
Rank 4 – Christopher Hirata, IQ 225, Japanese-American
Christopher Hirata, a Japanese-American astrophysicist, gained early recognition by winning a gold medal at the International Physics Olympiad at just 13. He started his studies at Caltech at 14 and earned a PhD from Princeton by 22. Renowned for his research on dark energy and the universe's structure, Hirata has received significant honors like the MacArthur Fellowship and remains a prominent figure in modern cosmology.
Rank 5 – Evangelos Katsioulis, IQ 200, American
Sho Yano, a child prodigy, gained attention by earning his bachelor's degree from the University of Chicago at the age of 12. He later became one of the youngest doctors in the United States, graduating from medical school at 21. His research in genetics and molecular biology has made significant contributions to science, serving as a global inspiration for young scholars.
Rank 6 – Christopher Harding, IQ 198, Greek
Greek psychiatrist Evangelos Katsioulis, renowned for having one of the highest IQs ever recorded, is a prominent member of esteemed high IQ societies. He holds degrees in philosophy, research methodology, and medicine, showcasing his blend of intellectual curiosity and practical expertise.
Rank 7 – Sho Yano, IQ 197, Australian
Christopher Harding, an Australian intellectual born in 1944, was once recognised as the 'Smartest Man in the World" by the Guinness Book of World Records (1966–1988) with an IQ between 196 and 197. In 1974, he founded the International Society for Philosophical Enquiry (ISPE), a prestigious high-IQ group that admits only those scoring in the top 0.1 percent on intelligence tests.
Rank 8 – Christopher Langan, IQ 195, American
Christopher Langan, who is frequently quoted as having an IQ of nearly 195, overcame a difficult childhood and lack of formal higher education to become renowned as a 'self-educated autodidact." He has worked as a forest ranger and a cowboy, but his most notable contribution is the 'Cognitive-Theoretic Model of the Universe" (CTMU), an ambitious theory that integrates philosophy, theology, and science.
Rank 9 – Rick Rosner, IQ 192, American
Rick Rosner's career has included unusual roles such as a bouncer and stripper, and he later became a writer for shows like Jimmy Kimmel Live! and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
Rank 10 – Garry Kasparov, IQ 190, Russian
In 1985, at the age of 22, renowned Russian chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov became the youngest undisputed World Champion. He dominated the chess world for over a decade, known for his bold and strategic play. Beyond chess, Kasparov is a respected figure in international politics, actively advocating for democracy in Russia.
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First Published:
July 29, 2025, 14:57 IST
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