Is a 120 IQ Score High for a 14 Year Old Gamer?

As an avid gamer and content creator focused on the gaming world, I‘m often fascinated by the intellectual capabilities of young gamers. Recently, I came across a 14 year old gamer boasting of a 120 IQ score. This got me wondering – just how impressive is an IQ of 120 for someone so young?

What a 120 IQ Means

First, let‘s break down what a 120 IQ score actually means. IQ stands for "intelligence quotient" – essentially a score representing intelligence relative to peers of the same age. An average IQ score is 100.

Here‘s a chart showing the common IQ classifications:

With an IQ of 120, our 14 year old gamer is already in the top 10% for intelligence compared to others his age. This is firmly in the "superior intelligence" category – much higher than average.

We can see that while a 120 IQ is impressive, it‘s not exceptionally rare – about 1 in 10 people would score similarly high. Still, it indicates advanced intellect for someone so young.

Historical IQs of Geniuses

To put this IQ score into better perspective, let‘s compare it to estimates of revolutionary thinkers throughout history:

• Albert Einstein – IQ between 160-180
• Stephen Hawking – IQ around 160
• Garry Kasparov – IQ estimated at 190
• Judit Polgar – IQ 170, #1 female chess player
• Bill Gates – IQ 160
• Neil DeGrasse Tyson – IQ reportedly above 135

So while 120 is high for a 14 year old, it‘s not close to the rarified "genius" territory of 160+ reserved for trailblazers like Einstein and Hawking.

Still, at just 14 with an IQ nearing the 130 "very superior" category, our gamer shows plenty of promise.

IQ Development in Teens

Here‘s an intriguiing fact – research shows IQ at age 14 isn‘t necessarily fixed for life. Studies tracking IQ changes in teens found IQ can rise significantly during adolescence based on environment, education, and intellectual stimulation.

So while genetics play a part, a nurturing environment and growth opportunities during the teen years can further boost IQ.

This means our 120 IQ gamer has ample developmental potential to enhance his intellect over the next few years. An enriching, game-intensive environment providing constant stimulation could help him reach the 130+ "very superior" or even genius-level IQ range by adulthood.

Nurturing Young Gamer Intelligence

As someone devoted to gaming, I‘m a strong proponent of video games‘ ability to bolster young minds. Games challenge players to analyze complex systems, think strategically, make quick calculations, and continuously learn. Mastering sophisticated games like chess, Starcraft 2, Civilization, or esports titles takes serious intellect.

I‘ve seen plenty of examples of games helping bright kids reach new intellectual heights. Child chess prodigy Hans Niemann, current US Chess Champion Wesley So, and esports phenom Sumail Hassan all showed extreme talent from young ages, harnessing video games‘ mental benefits.

For our 120 IQ gamer, focusing efforts on complex strategy/tactics games seems an excellent path to further advancement. Specific recommendations:

Chess – requires planning several moves in advance while predicting opponent responses. Studies show chess mastery correlates with higher intelligence.

Starcraft 2 – real-time strategy on speed, requiring strategic decision-making and 300+ actions per minute. Top players exhibit IQs averaging 127.

Civilization – rewards long-term strategic planning and technological development.

League of Legends / DOTA 2 – multiplayer battle arenas requiring mastery of dozens of characters, tactical team coordination, quick calculations, and adaptation to evolving situations.

Pouring time into such games creates an enriching training ground to enhance our young gamer‘s 120 IQ even more in the crucial developmental years ahead.

Final Thoughts

While a 120 IQ is squarely superior for a 14 year old, encouraging further growth should be this gamer‘s goal. Our teenage years present a precious window to stimulate intellectual expansion before IQ tends to settle around 20 years old.

Creating a positive, game-intensive environment filled with complex challenges could help push this gamer‘s mental capabilities from "very smart" territory well into the 130-145+ "highly gifted" range in the coming years. Helping young minds maximize potential is both inspiring and our shared duty for the future.