In a recent social media activity initiated by FIDE, Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand made headlines by selecting Bobby Fischer as the greatest chess player of all time. His choice, revealingly swift, came with significant implications, particularly regarding his relationship with current World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, whom he dismissed without hesitation.
FIDE's trending 'Choose Your Favourite' game saw Anand navigate through a roster of iconic chess figures, starting with a choice between José Raúl Capablanca, the Cuban endgame genius, and Russian strategist Alexander Alekhine. Anand favorably chose Capablanca, a decision reflecting his admiration for the third World Champion, known for his refined positional understanding.
The game progressed as Anand next faced the monumental legacy of Boris Spassky, who famously challenged Fischer in 1972. While acknowledging Spassky's importance in chess history, Anand quickly shifted to Fischer, indicating a preference grounded in profound respect for the American maestro, revered for both his brilliance and eccentricity.
As the game continued, Anand weighed the merits of Anatoly Karpov against Fischer—a matchup that required little contemplation, as Karpov's historical standing couldn’t hold a candle to Fischer’s legacy. However, when presented with Garry Kasparov, regarded by many as the finest World Champion ever, Anand hesitated. “I never thought of that before,” he remarked, yet ultimately moved past Kasparov to Fischer.
The true turning point came when Magnus Carlsen was introduced into the mix. Anand’s dismissal of Carlsen was swift and unequivocal; without a moment's thought, he chose Fischer. This rapid selection hinted at underlying tensions, likely influenced by clashes between Carlsen and the chess establishment, particularly regarding comments Carlsen had previously made about Anand and FIDE officials.
Carlsen’s contentious remarks followed his controversial disqualification from the World Rapid Chess Championship in December 2024 due to a violation of the dress code, where he wore jeans. He had referred to Anand and other FIDE authorities as “not grown-ups,” showcasing a lack of respect for the governing body at a time of personal grievance. “I’m not even sure I broke any rules,” Carlsen stated, reflecting dissatisfaction toward how FIDE applied the regulations during his disqualification.
Adding to the intrigue, Carlsen had defeated Anand in World Championship matches during 2013 and 2014, marking a significant moment in chess history. Yet, despite this illustrious past, Anand's decision to neglect Carlsen in the current format raises questions about their relationship and the weight Anand places on Fischer as a historical figure compared to modern players.
After Carlsen, Anand proceeded through further selections, eventually considering 2023 World Champion Ding Liren and emerging talent D. Gukesh, who brought a smile to Anand's face, reflective of his pride in India's growing chess prowess. Yet, Fischer remained the overwhelming favorite as Anand navigated the concluding rounds.
In the game's final face-off, Anand was once again posed with the choice between Bobby Fischer and himself. With characteristic humility, Anand admitted, “Well, right now, I have to say Fischer,” a statement that encapsulates both his admiration for the American grandmaster and a contradiction against the backdrop of his illustrious own five-time World Championship titles.
Ultimately, Anand's selections not only illustrate a homage to the greats of chess but reveal the complexities of his opinions on contemporary figures like Carlsen. The game serves as a lens through which the chess world can observe the sentiments that persist beyond the board, intertwining personal achievement with the legacies of past champions.
