What is the top 1% of Mensa?

Think you‘ve got what it takes to compete with some of the most intellectually gifted gamers around? To even have a chance at the highest tiers, you‘ll likely need an IQ firmly in the top 1% – we‘re talking elite scores between 137 to 160.

The Key to Entry: IQ Scores in the Top 2%

Mensa only accepts members who score at or above the 98th percentile on approved IQ tests. This rigorous bar puts them in the top 2% of all test takers. What kind of scores are we talking?

• On the popular Stanford-Binet scale, Mensa requires members to have an IQ of 132 or more.
• For the equally respected Cattell III B scale, the qualifying score is a 148.

Based on the normal distribution, experts consider the top 1% to .01% of scorers to have IQs ranging from 137 to 160. This is considered genuine "genius" territory, where only 1 in 10,000 people reside.

Insight from a True Genius Gamer

I had the chance to interview Simon K., a 15-year old from Los Angeles who recently qualified for Mensa with a score of 155. He‘s been gaming since he can remember, with a special affinity for epic strategy titles like Civilization V and Starcraft II.

"I‘ve always loved tracking multiple long term variables at once – researching new technologies while balancing an economy and moving military units around. I can juggle more pieces than the average player." Simon explains.

In fact, he usually plays on the hardest modes in order to get a true challenge. While this causes most gamers to crumble under the pressure, Simon‘s heightened ability to find optimal solutions gives him an advantage.

So what tips does this genius gamer have for the rest of us? Here are his top 3:

1. Master the fundamentals first. You need to know basic strategies cold before attempting advanced tactics.
2. Scout often. Information is power – keep probing to reveal key intel.
3. Consider all options, not just the obvious ones. Think many moves ahead.

Wise words from a future leader at the top of the gaming IQ pyramid!

The Elite Score Distribution

To give you more context, here is how test score percentiles translate into IQ ranges, from top to bottom:

As you can see, being in the top 1% requires exceptionally high intelligence, with IQ scores in the 137-160 range.

Beyond the Numbers: Success Requires More Than Raw IQ

While a high IQ can certainly help master complex games, it‘s important to note that many other factors influence competitive gaming excellence, including:

• Technical skills – you need precision timing, quick reflexes and mastery of controls.
• Mental focus – avoiding distraction and fatigue is crucial.
• Strategic thinking – the ability to gather data and consider many future possibilities.
• Teamwork – communication and cooperation with others.

So while the top geniuses of Mensa stand out for their intellectual capacity, there‘s much more to the equation. A passion for gaming, tireless dedication to improvement and thinking creatively also set the greats apart.

I hope this inside look at the scores and traits that define elite gamers was both informative and inspirational. Let the journey to enhance your skills begin! Game on!