Anand and Kasparov have something in common as World Champions; both established their dominance in their respective eras.
When two legends of the game have established themselves as greats, it’s only natural to compare and wonder what makes these legends what they are.
We will contrast both players and explore their match history by the numbers in this article.
Competitive History between Anand and Kasparov
Both players, having long chess careers, have crossed paths several times.
First Encounter in 1991
Kasparov and Anand first met in classical play at Linares 1991, where Kasparov won. Later that year, they faced off again at Reggio Emilia 1991-92, where Anand drew with Kasparov and went on to win the tournament ahead of both Kasparov and Karpov..
1995 PCA World Championship
Garry Kasparov battled Anand for the World title of the breakaway organization, the Professional Chess Association, at the World Trade Center in New York.
Kasparov won the best of 20 games with a score of 10.5-7.5.
Post-1995 Encounters (Classical)
- Linares 1996-2001: They met regularly at the world’s top tournament.
- 1998-2000: Their rivalry remained sharp, often deciding who finished 1st in elite events.
Rapid and Blitz Events
In faster time control, Anand’s unprecedented speed often gave him an edge. However, Kasparov’s precision still made him extremely hard to beat.
- Wydra (1998)- Anand won 1.5-0.5.
- Frankfurt (1999)- Kasparov defeated Anand 4-2.
- Melody Amber Rapid (2001)- Drawn.
After Kasparov’s Retirement (2005 Onward)
Kasparov retired from professional chess in 2005, and Anand became the World Champion in 2007, marking the culmination of a generational shift between the two players. Yet, they continued to meet in exhibition games afterwards.
Anand vs Kasparov 2025- The Legends Return to Battle
In an electrifying showdown in 2025, Garry Kasparov and Viswanathan Anand revived one of Chess’s most legendary rivalries in the Clutch Chess: The Legends match at the Saint Louis Chess Club.
The 12-game event featured a mix of rapid and blitz chess960 games with unique escalating point values that kept fans on edge until the last day.
Kasparov triumphed, showcasing a glimpse of his brilliance from the 1990s, as he strategically outplayed Anand in crucial games to secure a 13-11 victory. This victory is reminiscent of their memorable clash in the 1995 World Championship.
Similarities
Both were World Chess Champions
Although in different eras, Garry Kasparov and Viswanathan Anand have both been World Chess Champions.
Kasparov ruled from 1985 to 2000, while Anand held the title from 2007 to 2013.
Both proved they could defeat the best players of their generation and stay at the top for years.
Both were Chess Prodigies
Both Kasparov and Anand showed great chess talent at a young age. Kasparov became the youngest World Champion at the age of 22 in 1985.
Anand became India’s first Grandmaster at 18 and was already one of the fastest players in the world as a teenager.
Their early rise showed their natural ingenuity and deep understanding of chess, something seen only in the most brilliant chess prodigies.
Both were Dominant During Their Era
Kasparov dominated world chess from the 1980s to the early 2000s, holding the World No. 1 position for about 20 years (1985–2005).
Anand, on the other hand, dominated in the 2000s, winning multiple world titles and staying among the top 10 players for over 25 years (1995-2020).
Both Made Strides to Popularize Chess Worldwide
Kasparov made chess globally famous through his legendary rivalries and his matches against chess engines, such as Deep Blue, in the 1990s.
Anand made chess a household name in India, inspiring millions of young players and turning India into a top chess nation. The seed Anand sowed is what led to the emergence of Gukesh as World Champion.
Both players helped spread chess far beyond Asia and Russia.
Differences
Both players differ in a lot of ways, including:
Playing Style
Kasparov’s style was aggressive, sharp, and assertive. He loved attacking and used deep opening preparation to crush opponents.
Anand’s style was flexible and smooth. He could play sharp or positional games and was famous for his speed and clear decision-making.
Personality
Kasparov is fiery, confident, and often shows emotions during games and interviews.
Anand is calm, humble, and disciplined, rarely showing emotion and always maintaining good sportsmanship.
Era and Longevity
Kasparov ruled from the 1980s to the early 2000s, then retired in 2005. Anand became champion later and has continued playing actively even in the 2020s, showing one of the longest chess careers ever.
Kasparov’s peak was shorter but more dominant, while Anand’s career has been longer and steadier.
Influence and Legacy
Kasparov transformed chess preparation by introducing deep computer analysis in the 1990s, influencing how modern players train.
Anand’s legacy lies in inspiring the Indian chess boom, paving the way for stars like Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun Erigaisi.
Both left lasting marks on the history and growth of chess.
Who is Better? By the Stats
Determining the superior player between Garry Kasparov and Anand Vishwanthi is subjective.
Titles
Garry Kasparov:
- World Chess Champion (1985–2000)
- World Junior Champion (1980)
- 11-time Linares Champion
Viswanathan Anand:
- World Chess Champion (2007–2013)
- World Rapid Champion (2003, 2017)
- World Blitz Champion (2000)
Longevity
Garry Kasparov
Kasparov stayed in the world’s Top 10 from 1982 to 2005 and held the World No. 1 position for about 20 straight years (1985-2005). During that period, his dominance was unparalleled, leading to his retirement from professional chess in 2005 at the age of 42, leaving a remarkable legacy in the chess world.
Viswanathan Anand
Anand has remained one of the strongest players in the world for nearly four decades (1988-2025). He entered the Top 10 around 1991 and stayed there continuously for about 28 years (1991-2019), one of the longest streaks in chess history.
He was also the World No.1 from April 2007 to July 2008, during his reign as World Champion.
Even in his 50s, he continues to compete actively in rapid, blitz, and senior events, demonstrating remarkable longevity and unwavering consistency at the highest level of the game.
Peak Rating
Garry Kasparov
Kasparov reached his highest classical rating of 2851 in July 1999, a record that remained unbroken for many years until surpassed by Magnus Carlsen.
Viswanathan Anand
Anand achieved his peak classical rating of 2817 in March 2011, ranking him among the top five highest-rated players in chess history.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Kasparov and Anand represent two distinct eras of chess mastery. Kasparov’s ferocious energy, deep preparation, and psychological dominance defined the pre-computer age, while Anand’s adaptability, speed, and calm precision encompass the modern, engine-assisted age.
Their rivalry symbolizes a bridge between instinct and innovation, showcasing the evolution of chess while maintaining its timeless essence.
join the conversation