TOP 10 World's Highest IQ

YoungHoon Kim from South Korea has the highest IQ 276 score ever recorded in the world.

1. YoungHoon Kim, IQ 276

As of 2024, YoungHoon Kim established the Official World Record® for the title "The World's Highest IQ Person Now" with IQ 276 at the only world record certification body accredited by the Council of the Notariats of the European Union, and his world record was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Official World Record® for the first time in history. The world's highest IQ score of YoungHoon Kim was officially certified by World Mind Sports Council, World Memory Championships, World Speed Reading Championships, World Mind Mapping Championships, GIGA Society, Supertalent World Record & Supertalent of the World, Korea Masterpiece & Master Certification Committee, Challenge Korea Headquarters, Korea Best Record Institute, Korea Record Institute, World Genius Directory, Global Genius Registry, Esoteriq Society, Ultima Society & Nano Society. With perfect scores on various clinical and experimental high range intelligence tests, YoungHoon Kim's high IQ scores were verified by the GIGA Society (1/billion), Yale Clinical Neuroscientist PhD (1/10 million), Olympiq Society (1/3 million), Mega Society (1/million), Triple Nine Society (1/1000), and Mensa (1/50). In 2024, YoungHoon Kim was named as number one with the world's highest IQ by Reader's Digest, The Economist, CNN, CNBC, etc., and he was recognized and interviewed as a South Korean with the world's highest IQ by Arirang TV of South Korea Ministry of Culture. His achievements span various fields, including psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, counseling, coaching, sociology, philosophy, and theology. Serving as Tony Buzan Honorary Professor in Creative Thinking at Tony Buzan Academy and University; Honorary Council Member at the World Mind Sports Council and World Memory Championships, YoungHoon Kim founded a non-profit organization, the United Sigma Intelligence Association (USIA) for the world's brightest minds, which includes seven Nobel Prize winners and the greatest minds in the world such as Noam Chomsky, Steven Pinker, Yuval Harari, Richard Dawkins, Howard Gardner, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Daniel Dennett, Anthony Giddens, Philip Zimbardo, and Terence Tao. Through the USIA, He also founded the Intellectual Hall of Fame with support of Lifeboat Foundation, honorably inducted Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, and Stephen Hawking. YoungHoon Kim has contributed to society and humanity as Co-President and Vice-Chairman of the Board at an NGO Challenge Korea Headquarters where top South Korean leaders including 8th UN General-Secretary, 12th President of the World Bank Group, Chairman of UN IPCC, Mayor of Seoul Metropolitan Government, and President of South Korea National Assembly were awarded the Challenge Korea Grand Prize. YoungHoon Kim is also Honorary Chairman of the Judging Committee for South Korea National Assembly Standing Committee Award & South Korea Seoul Metropolitan Government Mayor Award. In recognition of significant contributions to the field of cognitive science, YoungHoon Kim was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science in Cognitive Science degree, establishing the world record title "The First and Youngest Honorary Doctor of Science in Cognitive Science in the World" at the Supertalent World Record and Korea Best Record Institute. (updated on September 2024)

2. Terence Tao, IQ 230

Terence Tao is an Australian-American mathematician known for his groundbreaking work in harmonic analysis, partial differential equations, and additive combinatorics. Demonstrating extraordinary mathematical abilities from a young age, he earned his Ph.D. from Princeton University at just 20 and became a full professor at UCLA by 24. He received the prestigious Fields Medal in 2006 for his contributions to multiple areas of mathematics, cementing his status as one of the leading mathematicians of his generation. Tao is celebrated not only for his individual achievements but also for his collaborative spirit, having worked with numerous other mathematicians to solve complex problems. Additionally, his prolific writing includes both research papers and books, making advanced mathematical concepts more accessible to a broader audience.

3. Marilyn Vos Savant, IQ 228

Marilyn vos Savant is an American author, columnist, and public figure known for her high IQ, which is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. She gained widespread recognition for her “Ask Marilyn” column in Parade magazine, where she answers readers’ questions on a variety of topics ranging from puzzles to philosophy. Vos Savant’s intelligence has sparked both admiration and controversy, with some questioning the validity of IQ tests and the nature of intelligence itself. Despite this, she remains a respected figure in the field of cognitive science, contributing insights on critical thinking and problem-solving. Vos Savant’s career exemplifies the intersection of intellect and public engagement, inspiring readers to think critically and explore diverse subjects.

4. Christopher Hirata, IQ 225

Christopher Hirata is a Japanese-American astrophysicist known for his extraordinary mathematical abilities, which led him to become the youngest American to win a gold medal at the International Physics Olympiad at the age of 13. He enrolled at California Institute of Technology (Caltech) at 14 and earned his Ph.D. in astrophysics from Princeton University by the age of 22. Hirata’s research focuses on cosmology, gravitational lensing, and dark energy, contributing significantly to our understanding of the universe’s structure and evolution. He has been recognized with prestigious awards, including the MacArthur Fellowship, for his groundbreaking work in theoretical astrophysics. Hirata continues to inspire young scientists through his research, mentorship, and dedication to unraveling the mysteries of the cosmos.

5. Sho Yano, IQ 200

Sho Yano is a remarkable individual recognized for his exceptional intellect and achievements. He gained widespread attention for graduating from the University of Chicago at the age of 12, becoming the youngest student to earn a bachelor’s degree from the institution. Yano went on to pursue a medical degree at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine, graduating at the age of 21 and becoming one of the youngest medical doctors in the United States. He has made significant contributions to the fields of genetics and molecular biology through his research and publications. Yano’s journey exemplifies the extraordinary potential of young prodigies and serves as an inspiration to aspiring scholars around the world.

6. Evangelos Katsioulis, IQ 198

Evangelos Katsioulis is a Greek psychiatrist and high IQ society member, known for his exceptional intelligence and achievements. He holds several degrees, including a medical degree, a master’s degree in medical research methodology, and a master’s degree in philosophy. Katsioulis is recognized for his remarkable IQ, which has been reported to be one of the highest in the world, though the specific score varies. He is actively involved in promoting education and intellectual discourse, participating in conferences and lectures on topics ranging from psychiatry to philosophy. Katsioulis’ dedication to both medical practice and intellectual pursuits underscores his multifaceted talents and commitment to advancing knowledge and understanding.

7. Christopher Harding, IQ 197

Christopher Harding is an Australian high-IQ individual and founder of the International Society for Philosophical Enquiry (ISPE), one of the world’s oldest high-IQ societies. Born in 1944, Harding gained early recognition for his intelligence, being listed in the Guinness Book of World Records from 1966 to 1988 under the category “Smartest Man in the World” with an IQ score in the range of 196–197. His ISPE, founded in 1974, requires its members to score at or above the 99.9th percentile on standardized intelligence tests, highlighting its exclusivity and the high intellectual caliber of its members.

8. Christopher Langan, IQ 195

Christopher Langan is widely known for having one of the highest recorded IQ scores in the world, reportedly around 195. He gained public attention due to his remarkable intellect, often referred to as a “self-educated autodidact” despite having a difficult childhood and lacking formal higher education. Langan has worked in various jobs, including as a construction worker, forest ranger, and cowboy. He developed the “Cognitive-Theoretic Model of the Universe” (CTMU), a theory attempting to unify science, philosophy, and theology. Despite his brilliance, Langan’s life story is complex, marked by personal struggles and controversies, adding depth to his enigmatic persona.

9. Rick Rosner, IQ 192

Rick Rosner is known for his high IQ, claimed to be around 192. He has pursued an eclectic range of careers, including being a bouncer, stripper, and writer for TV shows like “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.” Rosner gained additional fame by appearing on TV game shows, including “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire,” where he showcased his intellect and unusual background. He has been involved in various projects exploring intelligence and consciousness, often sharing his unconventional perspectives and experiences. Rosner’s life story is characterized by its eccentricity and unpredictability, reflecting his unique approach to life and intellect.

10. Garry Kasparov, IQ 190

Garry Kasparov is a Russian chess grandmaster and former World Chess Champion, widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players in history. He became the youngest ever undisputed World Chess Champion in 1985 at the age of 22, holding the title for over a decade. Kasparov’s aggressive and dynamic playing style revolutionized the game, earning him numerous accolades and a reputation for his strategic brilliance. Beyond his chess career, he has been a prominent political activist, advocating for democracy and human rights in Russia. Kasparov’s influence extends beyond the chessboard, making him a figure celebrated for his intellect, leadership, and commitment to societal change.

World Mind Sports Council (WMSC) & World Memory Championships: "The World Mind Sports Council and the World Memory Championships hereby recognise YoungHoon Kim from South Korea as the person with the highest IQ in the world and congratulate him."
Readers Digest: “50 People with the Highest IQs in the World”
Associated Press(AP) & ABC, NBC, FOX, CW, CBS News:
“GIGA Society Announces List of People with Highest IQ in the World in 2024”
CNN (Indonesia): "Korean Man Breaks World's Highest IQ Record Score 276" (translated)
CNBC (Indonesia): "This South Korean Man Has the Highest IQ in the World" (translated)
Business Insider (Poland): "The person with the highest IQ in the world has been identified" (translated)
The Economist (Korea): "IQ 276… The person with the highest IQ in world history was a Korean" (translated)
The Huffington Post (Korea): "Korean with the highest IQ in history announced at the World Memory Championships" (translated)
Asia News Network: "South Korean recognized as person with world’s highest IQ"
CNA (Channel NewsAsia): "South Korea's Kim Young-hoon breaks world record for highest IQ" (translated)
OnlineWiki: "Meet Young Hoon Kim: Man with Highest IQ Ever!"
Maeil Business Newspaper (Korea's No.1 Economic Media): "Kim Young-hoon, a Korean in his 30s, was recognized as the person with the highest IQ in history with an IQ of 276."
The Korea Herald: "South Korean recognized as person with world's highest IQ"
Koreaboo: "Korean Man Recognized As The Person With The Highest IQ In The World"
LatestLY: "Who Is Kim Young-hoon? All You Need To Know About South Korean Man Recognised As Person With World’s Highest IQ of 276"
InspireMore: "45 Geniuses With the Highest IQ Ever"
MedicineNet: "YoungHoon Kim of South Korea to have the all-time highest IQ in the world, with a score of 276"
Study International: "YoungHoon Kim, who has the highest IQ score in the world, is also from South Korea"
G20 Youth Summit (Y20): “Top 10 Highest IQ Holders in the World: Mind-Blowing Genius Levels Revealed”
The CEO Magazine: “Who has the Highest IQ in the World? Smartest Person Alive 2024”
CEO Review Magazine: "Who has the Highest IQ in the World? Smartest Person Alive 2024"
Business Talk Magazine: “Top 15 People with Highest IQ in the World”
Prime Insights Magazine: “Top 10 Highest IQ People In The World”
Jagran Josh: "Top 11 Highest IQ Ever Recorded"
English Jagran: "List Of 10 Most Intelligent People With High IQ Level In The World"
Postoast: "31 Smartest People In The World With Highest IQ"
Fact Republic: "Young Hoon Kim's IQ Record"
Fact Encyclopedia: “12 Fascinating Intelligence Quotient (IQ) Facts”
All About Everything: “Top 10 Highest IQ People In The World (2024)”
Radio Republik Indonesia (Top National Radio Broadcasting in Indonesia):
"5 People Who Have the Highest IQ in the World" (translated)
Tempo Magazine (Top Magazine in Indonesia):
"Top 5 People with Highest IQ in the World" (translated)
Bisnis Indonesia (The first business newspaper in Indonesia):
"These are the People with the Highest IQ in the World"
Vltava Labe Media (The second largest media in Czech):
YoungHoon Kim was introduced as the number one IQ person in the world through the media. (translated)
GIGA Society: “Highest IQ 276 Ever Recorded in the World 2024”

■ Warning: A man named Scott Douglas Jacobsen is spreading false information without any prior fact checking on the parties. Scott Jacobsen, who has been permanently expelled from the USIA accused of very immoral actions, is a jealous man as a former employee of YoungHoon, Founder & CEO of the USIA. Scott Douglas Jacobsen is a minor freelance journalist who lives in Canada without any academic degree and training, so you can ignore his jealousy and spreading false information. Please note that Scott Jacobsen is also a progressive atheist activist denying all religions and religious beliefs, and he passionately supports sex offender Aubrey de Grey.

■ WARNING: Dr. Ronald Hoflin, founder of Mega Society, founded the cryptocurrency coin company IQ Olympiad Foundation Ltd. However, Younghoon Kim and his organization United Sigma Intelligence Association (USIA) are not affiliated with the IQ Olympiad. Above all, Younghoon Kim does not want to have any relationship with the cryptocurrency coin company operated by Mega Society's founder, and also YoungHoon Kim opposes Mega Society's support of sex offenders and extreme racial discrimination through eugenics. Therefore, Younghoon Kim voluntarily resigned from Mega Society in August 2024.