Viswanathan Anand, India’s chess legend, recently played the viral “pick your favourite” game with FIDE. The five-time World Champion revealed his top choice among chess icons, past and present. Surprisingly, he snubbed Magnus Carlsen, the World No. 1, without hesitation. Instead, Anand crowned Bobby Fischer as his ultimate favourite. This decision sparked buzz, especially given Carlsen’s dominance and their shared history. Let’s dive into Anand’s choices and what they reveal about his views.
Anand’s Picks: Fischer Shines, Carlsen Falls Flat
Anand kicked off with a choice between Jose Raul Capablanca and Alexander Alekhine. He quickly picked Capablanca, the Cuban endgame maestro who ruled as World Champion from 1921 to 1927. Next, Boris Spassky, the Soviet star who died in February 2025, faced Fischer. Anand chose Spassky initially but switched to Fischer when the American icon entered the fray. Fischer’s 1972 victory over Spassky remains legendary, influencing many players, including Anand.
Then came Garry Kasparov, the 13-time World Champion. Anand paused, saying, “I never thought of that before.” After a moment, he stuck with Fischer. Vladimir Kramnik, whom Anand defeated in the 2008 World Championship, followed. Anand briefly considered Kramnik but stayed loyal to Fischer. When Magnus Carlsen appeared, Anand didn’t blink. “Fischer,” he declared instantly. This snub stood out, especially since Carlsen beat Anand in 2013 and 2014 title matches.
Finally, Anand faced Ding Liren and D Gukesh, India’s current World Champion. Gukesh drew a smile from him, but Fischer prevailed. In a humble twist, Anand even picked Fischer over himself. “Well, right now, I have to say Fischer,” he said with a blush.
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Why Anand Brutally Snubs Carlsen: Tension Unveiled
Anand’s swift rejection of Carlsen hints at lingering tension. Carlsen, with five world titles, dominates modern chess. Yet, his recent actions may have irked Anand. In December 2024, Carlsen forfeited the World Rapid Chess Championship after a dispute with FIDE. He called FIDE officials “not grown-ups,” a jab that likely didn’t sit well with Anand, a respected figure in the chess world. Carlsen also skipped defending his classical title in 2023, citing a lack of motivation. Meanwhile, Anand remains a FIDE ambassador, valuing tradition.
Stats back Carlsen’s greatness—he’s held the No. 1 rating since 2011, peaking at 2882 in 2014. Anand, however, admires Fischer’s flair and impact. Fischer’s 1972 triumph single-handedly popularized chess globally. Anand’s choice reflects admiration for historical giants over modern rivals. Still, snubbing Carlsen so decisively suggests more than just preference—it feels personal.
Chess fans can’t ignore their rivalry. Carlsen dethroned Anand in 2013, ending his reign since 2007. Their 2014 rematch saw Carlsen win again. Anand’s Fischer pick might signal he’s moved past Carlsen’s era. With Gukesh now champion, India’s chess future shines bright, and Anand’s smile at Gukesh shows pride. For now, Fischer reigns supreme in Anand’s heart, while Carlsen takes a rare backseat.
Also Read: Viswanathan Anand Blames Kasparov for Chess’s Olympic Setback
