Viswanathan Anand has become synonymous with chess excellence across the world and India. Viswanathan Anand is popularly known as “Vishy” Anand.
Viswanathan Anand was born on December 11, 1969 in Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu.
Viswanathan Anand’s journey to mastery in the world of chess began at the young age of six, when his mother taught him how to play chess.
Viswanathan Anand | Early Life and Fame
Viswanathan Anand’s prodigious talent soon became apparent when he won the Indian National Sub-Junior Championship with a perfect score at the age of 14.
At the age of 15, Viswanathan Anand became the youngest Indian to win the International Master title, and at the age of 17, he became the first Asian to win the FIDE World Junior Championship.
Viswanathan Anand’s Achievements and Titles
Viswanathan Anand’s career has been filled with many awards. Viswanathan Anand became India’s first Grandmaster in 1988 and won the FIDE World Chess Championships in 2000, 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2012.
Viswanathan Anand’s fast playing speed earned him the nickname “Lightning Kid” and he has also won several World Rapid Chess Championships.
Viswanathan Anand’s family has played an important role in his life and career.
Father: Krishnamurthy Viswanathan, retired General Manager of Southern Railway, who passed away in 2021.
Mother: Sushila Viswanathan, a homemaker and chess enthusiast, who passed away in 2015.
Siblings: Viswanathan Anand has two elder siblings. Viswanathan Anand’s brother, Shivkumar, is a manager at Crompton Greaves in India, and his sister, Anuradha, is a professor at the University of Michigan in the USA.
Wife: Aruna Anand, Viswanathan Anand married him in 1996.
Son: Anand Akhil, born in 2011.
Viswanathan Anand’s family has been a constant support to him throughout his journey to becoming a chess legend. His wife, Aruna, has been particularly important in his career, giving him unwavering support and encouragement.
Viswanathan Anand height:
Viswanathan Anand is 5 feet 9 inches tall (about 1.75 meters).
Viswanathan Anand Contributions to Chess:
Viswanathan Anand has played a key role in popularizing chess in India beyond his individual achievements, earning him the title of “Father of the Indian Chess Boom” from FIDE. Viswanathan Anand was elected Vice President of FIDE in 2022, further cementing his legacy in the chess world.
Viswanathan Anand Awards and Honors:
Viswanathan Anand has received many awards, including the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award, in 2007. He was also the first recipient of India’s highest sporting honor, the Khel Ratna award, in 1991–92.
Viswanathan Anand has received many awards and honors during his illustrious career. Here are some of the most notable awards and honours:
Padma Vibhushan: India’s second-highest civilian award awarded in 2007.
Khel Ratna Award: India’s highest sporting honour awarded in 1991-92.
Chess Oscar: In 1997 Viswanathan Anand became the first Indian to win the Chess Oscar.
FIDE World Chess Championship: Won the title in 2000, 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2012.
World Rapid Chess Championship: Won in 2003 and 2017.
World Blitz Cup: Won in 2000.
FIDE Vice President: Elected in 2022.
Viswanathan Anand’s journey from a chess-loving child to a world-renowned Grandmaster is a testament to his dedication, skill and passion for the game. His contributions to chess have left an indelible mark on the game, inspiring countless aspiring players in India and beyond.
Viswanathan Anand fide rating
Viswanathan Anand’s current FIDE rating is 2750, as of February 2025. Viswanathan Anand is ranked 10th in the world and 3rd in India.
Viswanathan Anand peak fide rating:
Viswanathan Anand’s peak FIDE rating was 2817, achieved in March 2011. This made Viswanathan Anand the world’s number 1 player at that time.
Viswanathan Anand chess academy:
Viswanathan Anand is associated with the Westbridge Anand Chess Academy (WACA), which provides mentorship and training to established and emerging chess players
Viswanathan Anand’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million (approximately ₹43 crores) as of December 2024. This wealth comes from his impressive career in chess, which includes prize money from participating in tournaments, endorsements, book sales, and events.
When did Viswanathan Anand become world champion?
Viswanathan Anand first became the FIDE World Chess Champion in 2000. He held the title until 20022. Anand then became the undisputed World Chess Champion in 2007 and successfully defended his title in 2008, 2010, and 2012, but lost to Magnus Carlsen in 2013.
How many times Viswanathan Anand won world chess?
Viswanathan Anand won the World Chess Championship a total of five times. He won the FIDE World Chess Championship in 2000 and then became the undisputed World Chess Champion in 2007. He successfully defended his title in 2008, 2010, and 2012, but lost it to Magnus Carlsen in 2013.
Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen
Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand have faced each other several times in the World Chess Championship. Their most notable encounter was in the 2013 World Chess Championship held in Chennai, India. Carlsen won the match 6½-3½ and became the new World Chess Champion1. This match marked the beginning of Carlsen’s reign as World Chess Champion, which he has retained ever since.
Viswanathan Anand and Garry Kasparov:
Viswanathan Anand and Garry Kasparov have had several notable encounters in their chess careers. One of the most memorable was the 1995 PCA World Chess Championship which was held at the World Trade Center in New York. Defending champion Kasparov faced challenger Anand in a 20-game match. Kasparov won the match with a score of 10½ to 7½.
Another significant moment was in 2000, when Anand won the FIDE World Chess Championship, becoming the first player from India to win the title. Kasparov and Anand have faced each other many times, with Kasparov winning most of their classic chess encounters.
Their rivalry has been a highlight of the chess world, showcasing the incredible skill and strategic depth of both players.
