Why compare Vladimir Kramnik and Viswanathan Anand?

Anand and Kramnik faced off in multiple high-stakes matches, including the World Championship in 2008, where Kramnik sought to reclaim his title but was defeated.

Vladimir Kramnik

Key numbers

  • FIDE Rating2753 (June 2026)
  • Peak Rating2817 (October 2016)
  • Peak RankingNo. 1 (January 1996)
  • Olympiad Gold Medals1

Top honours

  • Classical World Chess Champion2000–2006
  • Undisputed World Chess Champion2006–2007
  • Chess Oscar2000
VS

Viswanathan Anand

Key numbers

  • World Championships Won5
  • FIDE Rating Peak2817
  • Total TitlesMultiple
  • Chess Olympiad MedalsMultiple
  • Major Tournament WinsOver 20

Top honours

  • World Chess Champion2000–2002, 2007–2013
  • FIDE World Rapid Chess Champion2003, 2017
  • World Blitz Chess Cup Champion2000
  • Chess OscarMultiple times
  • Padma Vibhushan2007