Becoming a chess Grandmaster is one of the highest achievements in the game of chess. It’s a title that shows a player’s great skill, strategy, and hard work. Only a small number of players in the world reach this level. But how is the title earned? Players must compete in tough tournaments, win games against other strong players, and reach a rating of 2500 or more. This blog will take you through the fun anecdotes and inspiring stories of the top chess Grandmasters and how they earned their place among the best in the world.
1. Magnus Carlsen
Magnus Carlsen from Norway started playing chess when he was just 5, but he didn’t like it much at first. Later, he grew more interested and became very good quickly. He became a Grandmaster at 13 years old, and his smart thinking and endurance helped him become a World Champion.
Fun Fact:
- Carlsen co-founded Play Magnus Group, a company that develops chess apps, including the Play Magnus app, which allows users to play against different versions of Magnus at various ages. The company has expanded into multiple chess-related ventures, including chess learning platforms and events.
- When Carlsen was a kid, he played chess with Bill Gates on a talk show. Carlsen beat him in just 9 moves! Gates laughed and said, "That was fast."
2. Garry Kasparov
Garry Kasparov, from Azerbaijan, started playing chess at 6 years old. His talent was clear, and by 22, he became the youngest World Chess Champion ever. Kasparov was known for his attacking style and always wanting to be the best. After retiring from chess, Kasparov became involved in politics and is now a well-known writer and speaker. He often speaks out for human rights and freedom.
Fun Fact:
- Once, during a match, Kasparov accidentally touched a piece he didn't mean to move. By the rules, he had to move it, but he still managed to win the game, showing his quick thinking.
- Kasparov has shown interest in technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI). After his famous match against the IBM computer Deep Blue in 1997, he became an advocate for human and machine collaboration, often discussing the future of AI in public talks.
3. Bobby Fischer
Bobby Fischer from the USA learned chess at 6 and practiced on his own for hours. He became the youngest Grandmaster at 15 and won the World Championship in 1972, making him a legend in chess history.
Fun Fact:
- Fischer dropped out of school at 16 to focus on chess. He loved reading about many different topics and could learn languages easily, even teaching himself Russian to read chess books.
- Fischer wrote several chess books, most notably "My 60 Memorable Games", which became a classic in chess literature. His writing focused on sharing his strategies and thoughts on important games, helping to educate and inspire future chess players.
4. Anatoly Karpov
Anatoly Karpov, from Russia, learned chess at 4 years old. His calm and careful style made him successful, and he became the World Champion in 1975. Karpov’s deep understanding of chess made him a great player for many years.
Fun Fact:
- Karpov studied at the prestigious Moscow State University. He also enjoys stamp collecting and has one of the largest collections in Russia.
- During one of his World Championship matches, Karpov played 48 games, the longest title match in history!
5. Viswanathan Anand
Viswanathan Anand, from India, learned chess at age 6. He played very fast and was nicknamed the "Lightning Kid." He once arrived late to an important match because he got stuck in traffic. Despite rushing to the game and starting in a hurry, he still won with great moves. He became India’s first Grandmaster in 1988, inspiring many young players in India.
Fun Fact:
- Anand is a three-time World Rapid Chess Champion. He has a talent for playing fast-paced chess, showcasing his ability to think quickly and make smart moves under pressure.
- Anand is often praised for his calm demeanor during matches. He can stay focused and composed, even in high-pressure situations, making him a formidable opponent.
6. Hikaru Nakamura
Hikaru Nakamura, from the USA, started playing at 7, taught by his stepfather. He became a Grandmaster at 15. Nakamura is known for his creative play and has become famous for sharing his games online, making chess more popular.
Fun Fact:
- Nakamura once played chess blindfolded against several opponents at the same time. He couldn't see the boards but still managed to win most of the games, amazing everyone.
- Nakamura is not only a chess star but also a popular Twitch streamer, where he plays chess live for his fans. He was one of the first top players to make chess cool on the internet.
7. Judit Polgar
Judit Polgar, from Hungary, started playing chess at 5, trained by her father. She became one of the greatest female players ever, becoming a Grandmaster at 15 and beating many top male players, proving that women can compete with the best.
Fun Fact:
- Judit once defeated former World Champion Garry Kasparov, making her the first woman to ever beat him! Throughout her career, Judit has defeated numerous World Champions, showcasing her talent at the highest level of chess.
- Judit became a Grandmaster at the age of 15, making her the youngest Grandmaster at the time. She broke the record previously held by Bobby Fischer.
8. Fabiano Caruana
Fabiano Caruana, born in the USA, started playing chess at 5 in after-school programs. His parents moved to Europe to help him improve, and he became a Grandmaster at 14. His amazing win streak in 2014 made him a big name in the chess world.
Fun Fact:
Caruana has dual citizenship in the USA and Italy, and he has represented both countries in chess tournaments.
Caruana occasionally works as a coach for other chess players, helping them improve their skills and prepare for competitions. His experience at the highest level makes him a sought-after trainer.
9. Ding Liren
Ding Liren, from China, learned chess at 4. He became China’s first World Chess Champion in 2023. Ding’s calm and focused play helped him rise to the top, inspiring many chess players in his country.
Fun Fact:
Ding achieved a peak rating of 2806, making him one of the few players in history to surpass the 2800 rating mark, placing him among the world’s elite players.
Ding Liren became a chess Grandmaster at the age of 16, making him one of the youngest players to achieve this title in history. His rapid rise in the chess world caught the attention of many.
10. Mikhail Tal
Mikhail Tal, from Latvia, started playing chess at 8. He was known for his risky and exciting style. He became World Champion at 23 in 1960, and his unique way of playing made him one of the most loved chess players ever. Mikhail Tal was often called “The Magician from Riga” due to his imaginative and creative style of play. His ability to conjure unexpected moves on the board earned him a reputation as one of the most entertaining players in chess history.
Fun Fact:
Tal was known for smoking a lot during games. One of his opponents even asked for a fan to blow the smoke away from him during their match!
Tal once beat a player in a game and afterward joked, "I didn’t just see the board in front of me; I saw the future!" His wild and unpredictable moves often made it seem like he could predict his opponent’s every step.
We hope that the stories of these incredible chess players have inspired you to explore the world of chess yourself. Their journeys show how dedication and passion can lead to great achievements in this timeless game. If you know any chess enthusiasts or budding geniuses in your family or among your friends, consider gifting them a beautiful wooden chess set from the Enterro website. It’s the perfect way to share the love of chess and encourage their passion for the game. Happy playing!