#15 World Chess Champion
Viswanathan Anand – 15th World Chess Champion
India’s first World Chess Champion, Anand held the title across multiple reigns and formats, bridging the classical era with the modern computer age.
- Country: India
- Title reign: 2007–2013
- Style: Universal, rapid calculation, opening innovation
Overview
Viswanathan Anand is widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players of all time. Known as the “Tiger of Madras,” he became the first Indian World Chess Champion and played a central role in popularizing chess across India and Asia.
Anand’s career spans multiple eras of chess history. He successfully adapted from pre-computer preparation to engine-driven modern chess, remaining competitive at the very top for over two decades.
World Championship highlights
- Won the 2007 World Championship tournament in Mexico City to become World Champion.
- Successfully defended his title in match play against Vladimir Kramnik (2008), Veselin Topalov (2010), and Boris Gelfand (2012).
- Became the first player to win World Championship titles in knockout, tournament, and match formats.
- Held the world crown for six consecutive years before losing it to Magnus Carlsen in 2013.
Playing style & legacy
Anand’s style is marked by speed, clarity, and deep opening preparation. At his peak, he was considered the fastest calculator in the world, especially in sharp tactical positions.
His influence extends far beyond his own results. Anand inspired an entire generation of Indian grandmasters, paving the way for today’s elite talents such as Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and many others.
Viswanathan Anand on ChessTV
On ChessTV.com you can explore Anand’s legendary career through:
- Complete game archive spanning more than three decades.
- Head-to-head records against every World Champion of his era.
- Coverage of World Championship matches, elite tournaments, and Olympiads where he represented India.