Highest Rated American-Born Chess Player

Originally posted by stockton1984
If I'm not mistaken, Gata Kamsky represents the U.S. when he plays, so I think he would be the highest rated American, but I'm just curious who the highest rated American player that was born here is. And for that matter, why the U.S. hasn't had a serious national champion contender since Bobby Fischer. I suppose some could make an argument that Waitzkin may have been in contention had he never stopped seriously competing at chess.

Originally posted by Korch
From link you have given:
"Hikaru Nakamura was born December 9, 1987 in [b]Osaka, Japan"[/b]

The highest rated American-born women player is Jennifer Shahade.

Bobby Fischer's highest ranking was 2780;

Originally posted by black beetle
Bobby Fischer's highest ranking was 2780;

Joel Benjamin was 2680 at one time as far as I know not sure if ever higher or what.
Larry Christiansen was also 2600's someplace. I can't keep track.

Thank you all for your responses. I did mean out of current players. It'll be interesting to see if/when America ever has a "super GM" again. I wonder where Waitzkin would be if he still played seriously.......

maybe in a few years that ray robson kid. unless he too immigrated to the us.

I will be the highest rated American born chess player.... Just give me some time 😛

Originally posted by dzhafner
maybe in a few years that ray robson kid. unless he too immigrated to the us.