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Indian players to win FIDE World Chess Championship

Published at :December 20, 2024 at 8:30 AM
Modified at :December 20, 2024 at 8:30 AM
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(Courtesy : Eng Chin An/FIDE Chess/Twitter)

Ankhi Dutta


India has won the joint second-most FIDE World Chess Championship titles in the FIDE Era.

India has emerged as a powerhouse in the world of chess, producing players who have left an indelible mark on the global stage. The early breakthrough was led by the sport legend GM Viswanathan Anand in the 2000s, and since then, it has been an unstoppable stride.

The current batch of GM D Gukesh, GM R Praggnanandhaa, GM Arjun Erigaisi, GM Vidit Gujrathi have performed at the very top level in various international competitions to keep India’s flag in the world of chess high.

2024 has been India’s year in the world of chess. Starting the year with three Indians featuring in the in Open section at the Candidates and two in Women’s section. Later, GM D Gukesh emerged as the champion of Open Candidates tournament, only second Indian after Viswanathan Anand. Later in the year, India won both Open and Women’s Chess Olympiad for the historic first time.

Let us look at the list of Indians who have won the FIDE World Chess Championship in the history of the sport.

Also Read: Top five greatest Indian chess players of all-time

List of Indians to win FIDE World Chess Championship

2. Dommaraju Gukesh (2024)

At just 18, D Gukesh made history by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, defeating China’s Ding Liren in a tense final game.

Gukesh’s victory marks the first Indian World Chess Champion since Anand in 2012 and caps off a remarkable year, including wins in the 2024 Candidates Tournament and the Chess Olympiad. His achievement breaks Garry Kasparov’s long-standing record, making him the youngest world champion in history.

Also Read: Top six youngest winners in FIDE World Chess Championship history

1. Viswanathan Anand [2000–2002 (FIDE), 2007–2013(Undisputed)]

Viswanathan Anand’s name is synonymous with Indian chess greatness. A five-time world champion, Anand shattered barriers in the 2000s, becoming the first Indian to hold the worlds title. His victory in 2000 marked the dawn of a new era for Indian chess, and over the years, Anand has been both a pioneer and a mentor to younger players.

Anand won the 2000 FIDE World Chess Championship by defeating Alexei Shirov and held the title until 2002. He became the undisputed world champion in 2007 and successfully defended it against Kramnik, Topalov, and Gelfand.

In 2013, he lost the title to Magnus Carlsen and was defeated again in 2014 after winning the Candidates Tournament. In 2006, Anand became the fourth player to surpass the 2800 Elo mark. Known for his speed, he is regarded as the greatest rapid chess player of his generation, winning multiple rapid and blitz titles.

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