childhood
Born on 11 December 1969 in Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, India, and raised in Chennai (Madras).
Learned chess at age six from his mother, Susila. He later said: "Her role is crucial, because she got me into the game. She was the one who taught me chess."
Joined the Tal Chess Club in Chennai at age seven, found by his sister.
At age eight, he lived in the Philippines for a year when his father was posted there by Indian Railways.
Won the National Sub-Junior Championship with a perfect 9/9 score in 1983 at age 14.
education
Attended Don Bosco Matriculation Higher Secondary School in Egmore, Chennai, and Loyola College, Chennai, where he earned a degree in commerce.
He balanced academics and chess throughout his school years, with professors sometimes teaching him at home after tournaments.
career
Fifteenth World Chess Champion, holding the title in various formats from 2000 to 2013.
Became India's first Grandmaster in 1988 at age 18.
Won the World Junior Championship in 1987 and the FIDE World Championship in 2000.
Became the undisputed World Champion in 2007 in Mexico and defended the title three times: against Kramnik (2008), Topalov (2010), and Gelfand (2012).
Lost the title to Magnus Carlsen in 2013.
One of the few players to have won World Championships in knockout, tournament, and match formats.
Known for his phenomenal speed of thought and lightning-quick moves; a five-time World Champion.
stories & anecdotes
Anand is universally respected for his sportsmanship and humility; he is known as a gentleman of the game.
His autobiography Mind Master is structured with 64 chapters, each ending with a chess diagram and a life lesson — one for each square on the board.
He has been a global ambassador for chess, particularly in India, where his success inspired a generation of players.
quotes
"Victories are cool, but the experiences you rack up along the way? That's the good stuff."
"Success does not come by chance. It is the result of hard work."
"Talent is a lot like a plant. When it's watered with hard work, it grows and blooms."
"Find your path, learn, strive…. Just keep the voice of your dream alive in your head and the will on a simmer in your heart."
"A World Championship match can transform its protagonists. You are never the same after it."
publications
Mind Master: Winning Lessons from a Champion's Life (2019) — autobiography with Susan Ninan.
My Career: World Championship Chess (2 volumes) — game collection.
Lightning Kid: 64 Winning Lessons from the Boy Who Became Five-Time World Chess Champion (2026) — children's adaptation of Mind Master.
Vishy Anand: World Chess Champion (with John Nunn) — career overview.
Play through Viswanathan Anand’s games
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Editorial note: this profile was adapted from supplied research notes. Historical details and attributed quotations should be fact-checked before formal publication.