What is Viswanathan Anand's net worth?
Viswanathan Anand is an Indian chess champion who has a net worth of $5 million. Viswanathan Anand emerged as India's first Grandmaster in 1988, transforming chess in his nation. He became FIDE World Champion in 2000, but his peak came between 2007-2013 when he reigned as undisputed World Chess Champion, successfully defending his title against Kramnik (2008), Topalov (2010), and Gelfand (2012) before losing to Magnus Carlsen. Known for his lightning-quick calculations, he excelled in rapid chess throughout his career. His five world championship titles, combined with numerous tournament victories and three decades at the elite level, cement his place among chess's all-time greats.
Born on December 11, 1969, in Chennai (then Madras), India, Anand learned chess from his mother at the age of six. His natural talent for the game became evident early on, as he quickly progressed through local and national competitions in his youth.
Anand's rise in chess was meteoric. He became India's first International Master at age 15, and in 1988, at just 18, he made history by becoming India's first Grandmaster. This achievement helped spark a chess revolution in India, inspiring countless young players and establishing the country as a growing force in international chess.
Known for his lightning-quick calculations and versatile playing style, Anand earned the nickname "Lightning Kid" early in his career. His speed chess abilities were particularly legendary – he could analyze positions and make complex decisions in seconds, often leaving opponents struggling to keep pace. This skill helped him dominate rapid and blitz chess tournaments throughout his career.
Anand's journey to the very top of classical chess was marked by persistence and adaptation. He became FIDE World Champion in 2000, winning the title in Tehran, Iran. However, his greatest achievements came between 2007 and 2013, when he reigned as the undisputed World Chess Champion. During this period, he successfully defended his title against Vladimir Kramnik (2008), Veselin Topalov (2010), and Boris Gelfand (2012), before finally losing it to Magnus Carlsen in 2013.
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What sets Anand apart from many of his contemporaries is his remarkable longevity at the elite level. He has remained competitive at the highest level for over three decades, adapting his style to meet the challenges of different eras – from the classical chess of the 1990s through the computer age of the 21st century. His ability to embrace computer preparation while maintaining his creative instincts helped him stay relevant in an increasingly technology-driven sport.
Off the board, Anand is known for his humble demeanor and diplomatic nature. He has served as an ambassador for chess worldwide and has been particularly influential in developing chess in India. His achievements have earned him numerous honors, including India's second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan, in 2007.
Anand's impact extends far beyond his competitive achievements. He has been instrumental in making India a chess powerhouse, inspiring a generation of players including Pentala Harikrishna, Koneru Humpy, and more recently, prodigies like R Praggnanandhaa. His success helped establish chess as a respected professional pursuit in India, leading to increased support for the sport at both governmental and private levels.
As an author and chess ambassador, Anand has written several books, including his autobiography "Mind Master: Winning Lessons from a Champion's Life" (2019), which offers insights into his approach to chess and life. He continues to participate in major tournaments while also focusing on nurturing young talent through the Westbridge Anand Chess Academy.
