Indian Stalwart Viswanathan Anand snubs World No.1 Magnus Carlsen at FIDE's Chess Champion Challenge without hesitation

India’s legendary chess player, Viswanathan Anand, recently participated in the viral 'pick your favorite' game, where he was asked to select his favorite World Chess Champion from a list of iconic players. The five-time World Champion’s choice may not come as a surprise to many — Anand picked the late American grandmaster Bobby Fischer. However, his swift dismissal of World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen spoke volumes about his current sentiments toward the Norwegian star.  

 How Anand Played the Game  

FIDE, the international chess federation, put Anand to an impromptu challenge where he had to choose from among two chess legends at each stage. 

- Capablanca vs. Alekhine 
Anand's journey began with the choice between Cuban endgame genius Jose Raul Capablanca and Russia's great strategist Alexander Alekhine. Anand chose Capablanca, the third world champion recognized for his excellent positional play. 

- Spassky and Fischer Enter Stage
Boris Spassky was next, the former Soviet World Champion to face Fischer in the 1972 World Championship match. Anand honored Spassky's legacy but did not hesitate when Fischer was thrown into the mix. 

- Karpov and Kasparov in Consideration
Karpov stood little chance to Anand against Fischer. When Garry Kasparov arguably the greatest World Champion of all time came into the picture, Anand paused briefly. "Never thought of that before," he said, but then quickly moved past Kasparov on to Fischer. 

- Kramnik and Fischer Duel
When Russian grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik was apprised of Fischer in the 2008 World Chess Championship, Anand pondered for a moment but still found Fischer to be the one for him. 

Anand Withholds Considerations for Carlsen
Most telling was the moment Magnus Carlsen's name came up. Without an instant's hesitation, Anand chose Fischer. Without further consideration, Carlsen, who beat Anand's world championship challengers twice and is otherwise often voted the all-time greatest player, was spurned by Vishy. 

This surely has something to do with Carlsen's somewhat recent troubled history with FIDE, as well as his comments wherein he dismissed Anand and FIDE top brass as "not grown-ups" after the controversial forfeiture at the World Rapid Chess Championship in December 2024. 

Ding Liren and Gukesh Followed in Turn
After Carlsen came Ding Liren, 2023 World Champion, and D. Gukesh, India's next diamond and the second-ever World Champion. Gukesh's mention brought a smile to Anand's face, for he was proud of his country's latest chess talent. But still, Fischer was his man

. Fischer Over Himself: Anand’s Final Choice