In a game increasingly dominated by precocious talent, one seasoned grandmaster stands firm, driven by an ambition refined over a decade at the elite level. Anish Giri, often dubbed the “nearly-man” of chess, maintains an unwavering gaze on the World Championship, leveraging experience and defensive mastery as his most potent weapons.
The Persistent Pursuit of the Pinnacle
For a decade, Anish Giri has been a fixture at the zenith of classical chess. His Elo rating soared past 2800, and he secured two coveted spots in the Candidates Tournament—achievements that place him firmly among the world`s best. Yet, the ultimate prize, the World Champion title, has remained just out of reach, painting his distinguished career with shades of “what if?” It’s a narrative many sports fans recognize: the perennial contender, consistently brilliant, but always missing that final, defining triumph.
One might expect a player of his tenure, after so many near-misses, to contemplate a change of pace. Indeed, some of his contemporaries, including the legendary Magnus Carlsen, have publicly expressed dwindling motivation for classical chess. But Giri? His fire burns brighter than ever.
“Carlsen has won everything; I don`t have that problem, so motivation is still very much there,”
he remarks, a sentiment delivered with a pragmatic shrug that hints at both self-awareness and steely resolve. For Giri, the ambition to become World Champion is not just alive; it`s a vital, driving force.
Navigating the New Chess Landscape
The global chess scene is currently experiencing a veritable youth revolution. Names like Gukesh Dommaraju, R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Alireza Firouzja, and Nodirbek Abdusattorov are not just challenging the old guard; they are rapidly redefining it, bringing down the average age of top-tier competition. One could easily forgive a veteran for feeling somewhat besieged.
However, Giri views this influx of prodigious talent not as a novel threat, but as a familiar challenge recast. He sees parallels to his own youth in the mid-2010s when he was the one battling established titans like Carlsen, Levon Aronian, and Vladimir Kramnik. The names change, the intensity remains. He firmly believes his chances of claiming the World Champion title today are no less than they were a decade ago. It’s an assertion backed by rigorous self-assessment and training against his equally strong peers.
Experience and Defensive Prowess: Giri`s Edge
While the younger generation dazzles with audacious lines and lightning calculations, Giri counters with a weapon forged in countless battles: experience. He understands the subtle ebbs and flows of a game, the psychological pressures, and the deep, often counter-intuitive, nuances that escape even the most advanced engines. “When I tell these young guys what it was like ten years ago, they look at me like I`m some kind of grandpa,” he quips, acknowledging the rapid evolution of the game while simultaneously highlighting the wisdom his years have accumulated.
Beyond experience, Giri possesses a defensive mastery that borders on legendary. In 2025, his classical record boasts an astonishing rarity: out of 34 games, he suffered only one loss, drawing 24 others. This exceptional ability to salvage draws, even from precarious positions, makes him incredibly difficult to beat. “Because I am such a good defender, I can draw even when I`m playing badly,” he states, a frank admission that speaks volumes about his tactical resilience.
This defensive solidity was evident even at the Chennai Grand Masters, where he miraculously held draws in games against Vidit Gujrathi and Nihal Sarin, matches he candidly admits he “should`ve lost.” Such moments are not flukes; they are testaments to a deep understanding of defensive resources and the calm under pressure that only extensive top-level play can cultivate.
The Final Chapter, or a New Beginning?
Anish Giri isn`t just playing; he`s on a mission. He sees it as a “crime against his career” to retire without a proper, final push for the World Championship in the current cycle. His confidence, bolstered by victories like the 2025 Sharjah Masters where he defeated Abdusattorov, remains unwavering. While he could, hypothetically, “go on the beach and relax” with his accumulated earnings, the competitive spirit simply won`t allow it.
“I think I have everything it takes. If I get some wind in the back, if I get lucky here and there, I can achieve the highest goals still,”
he affirms.
As the chess world looks towards the 2026 Candidates Tournament and the eventual challenge to current World Champion D. Gukesh, Anish Giri represents a unique variable. In a sport often defined by raw computing power and youthful exuberance, his blend of profound experience, tactical astuteness, and an almost impenetrable defense makes him a formidable dark horse. Will the “nearly-man” finally seize his moment, proving that seasoned wisdom can indeed trump youthful vigor on the grandest stage of all? The next few years promise to tell a fascinating tale of ambition, resilience, and the enduring power of a veteran`s gambit.
