Elisabeth Pähtz, born on January 8 1985 in Erfurt, Germany, earned the Grandmaster title in November 2022, becoming the first German woman to do so.

Coached from a young age by her father Thomas Pähtz—a GM himself she won the German U‑11 title at nine and the Women’s German Championship in 1999, showcasing early brilliance.

Internationally, Pähtz claimed the World Youth Girls U‑18 Championship in 2002, the World Junior Girls in 2005, and the European Women’s Rapid Championship in 2018.

As of late 2025 she is rated around 2479 standard, 2373 rapid and 2342 blitz, still Germany’s top‑rated woman and active in elite events, albeit signalling a shift toward enjoying chess rather than full‑time elite competition.