Ruslan Ponomariov vs Selman Waksman

Who Was the Greater Genius? A Complete Comparison

Ruslan Ponomariov

IQN/A

Born1983

OriginHorlivka, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union

Known ForBeing the FIDE World Chess Champion from 2002 to 2004

Selman Waksman

IQN/A

Born1888

Died1973

OriginNova Pryluka, Kiev Governorate, Russian Empire (now Ukraine)

Known ForDiscovered antibiotics made by soil-dwelling bacteria including streptomycin, th

About Ruslan Ponomariov

A Ukrainian chess grandmaster who was FIDE World Chess Champion from 2002 to 2004.

Read full biography of Ruslan Ponomariov → · In-Depth Article →

About Selman Waksman

Russian Empire-born Jewish-American inventor, biochemist, and microbiologist whose research led to the creation of the first medicine for tuberculosis.

Read full biography of Selman Waksman → · In-Depth Article →

The Verdict

Neither Ruslan Ponomariov nor Selman Waksman has a formally estimated IQ score, but both are universally recognized as among history's greatest minds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who had a higher IQ — Ruslan Ponomariov or Selman Waksman?

Neither has a formally estimated IQ in the Geniuses.Club database, though both are recognized as extraordinary intellects.

What is each genius known for?

Ruslan Ponomariov is known for: Being the FIDE World Chess Champion from 2002 to 2004. Selman Waksman is known for: Discovered antibiotics made by soil-dwelling bacteria including streptomycin, the first effective treatment for tubercul.