Anish Giri – Chess Grandmaster & World Top Player
Anish Giri is a staple of the world's elite, known for his impregnable defense and deep opening preparation. While sometimes criticized for drawing, his solidity makes him incredibly hard to beat. His games offer a masterclass in precision, theoretical knowledge, and the ability to neutralize even the most aggressive attacks.
♟️ Anish Giri's Best Chess Games Playlist
This playlist presents instructive games by Anish Giri, combining deep preparation with practical decision-making.
Why Anish Giri Matters in Modern Chess
Giri represents modern elite chess through world-class opening preparation, resilience, and practical accuracy. The points below show why his games are valuable to study today.
- 🌍 A top-ranked grandmaster with a global fan base
- 📚 Known for his deep opening preparation and theory contributions
- ⚔️ Regular competitor in elite international tournaments
- 🤝 Known for sportsmanship and insightful commentary
Frequently Asked Questions About Anish Giri
Who is Anish Giri?
Anish Giri is a Dutch chess grandmaster, born in 1994, recognized as one of the strongest chess players worldwide.
What are Anish Giri's achievements?
He has won Dutch championships multiple times, competed in Candidates tournaments, and consistently ranked in the world top 10.
What style of play does Giri have?
He is known for solid, strategic play and excellent opening preparation.
Has Anish Giri played against Magnus Carlsen?
Yes, Giri has faced Magnus many times, often producing draws in tightly fought games.
Where can I watch Anish Giri’s games?
Watch a curated playlist of his games embedded above or on YouTube.
What languages does Anish Giri speak?
English, Dutch, Russian, and Japanese.
🎉 100 Fun Facts & Trivia About Anish Giri
1. Chess Prodigy from Saint Petersburg
Anish Kumar Giri was born on June 28, 1994, in Saint Petersburg, Russia.
2. Multinational Roots
He has a Russian mother and a Nepali father, with Indian ancestry on his paternal grandmother's side.
3. Moved to Japan as a Child
From 2002 to 2008, Giri lived in Sapporo, Japan, and won the Sapporo Chess Championship in 2004.
4. Representing the Netherlands
In 2009, Giri switched federations from Russia to the Netherlands and has represented them since.
5. Youngest Grandmaster at 14
He achieved the grandmaster title in 2009 at just 14 years, 7 months, and 2 days old.
6. Five-Time Dutch Champion
Giri won the Dutch Chess Championship five times: 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015, and 2023.
7. Consistent Olympiad Player
He has represented the Netherlands in seven Chess Olympiads from 2010 to 2024.
8. Peak FIDE Rating Near 2800
His highest FIDE rating was 2798 in October 2015, one of the elite club of players near 2800.
9. Among the Top 10 Players Worldwide
As of July 2025, he holds the world number 10 ranking.
10. Known for Drawing All 14 Games at Candidates 2016
He was the only undefeated player, drawing all games in the 2016 Candidates Tournament.
11. Highly Skilled in Opening Theory
Giri is renowned for deep opening preparation and solid, strategic play.
12. Fluent in Multiple Languages
He speaks English, Russian, Dutch, Nepali, Hindi, and some Japanese and German.
13. Married to Chess IM Sopiko Guramishvili
The couple wed in 2015 and have three children together.
14. Started Playing Chess at Age Six
He learned the game initially from his mother.
15. Rapid Rating Growth as a Junior
Between 2006 and 2010, his rating jumped from 2114 to 2672, showing rapid development.
16. Early Trainer Team in Russia
Trained under coaches Asya Kovalyova and Andrei Praslov at a Saint Petersburg youth club.
17. Played for Japan Chess Association
During his time in Japan, Giri was active in local clubs and tournaments.
18. First Grandmaster Norm at 13
He earned his first GM norm in 2008 at the Intomart GfK Open.
19. Shared First Place in Russian Under-14 Championship
In 2007, he shared first place in the Russian Higher League Under-14.
20. Defeated Magnus Carlsen at Tata Steel 2011
In his Tata Steel debut, Giri beat Carlsen with Black in just 22 moves.
21. Known for Solid but Sometimes Drawish Style
His style is very solid and conservative, making him very hard to beat but sometimes missing winning chances.
22. Famous for Witty Chess Tweets
Giri often posts humorous and self-deprecating tweets, endearing him to fans.
23. Writer and Annotator
He has written chess articles and game annotations for major chess magazines and ChessBase.
24. Created Chessable Courses
Giri has made courses on the Sicilian Najdorf, Dragon, and French Defence openings.
25. Peak World Ranking of No. 3
His highest world ranking was number 3 in January 2016.
26. Sponsored by Optiver
Since 2016, Giri has been sponsored by Optiver, a proprietary trading firm.
27. Won Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2023
Giri won the prestigious Tata Steel Masters in 2023, beating Magnus Carlsen for the first time in 12 years.
28. Defeated Ding Liren Twice in 2023
His wins against Ding contributed to Ding dropping below 2800 rating points.
29. Played in Seven Chess Olympiads
Represented Netherlands with multiple individual bronze medals and strong team performances.
30. Also a Strong Blitz and Rapid Player
Giri has won online tournaments like the Magnus Carlsen Invitational.
31. Known for Quick Wit and Sense of Humor
Often jokes during interviews and is appreciated for his lightheartedness.
32. Played for Multiple European Chess Clubs
He has competed in leagues in Germany, Spain, France, and Russia.
33. Published a Book: "My Junior Years in 20 Games"
The book covers his early chess career and instructive games.
34. Achieved Candidate Master Level by Age 11
Reached a rating above 2100, showing early promise.
35. Represented Netherlands Since 2009
After switching federations, he became the Dutch number one player.
36. Participated in Multiple Candidates Tournaments
Played in 2016 and 2020/21 Candidates, finishing respectably.
37. Undefeated in 2016 Candidates
He drew all 14 games in the 2016 Candidates tournament — a unique record.
38. Known for Precise Opening Preparation
He often surprises opponents with well-studied lines and novelties.
39. Studied Under Vladimir Chuchelov and Vladimir Tukmakov
These trainers helped him develop a mature and solid style.
40. Frequent Commentator and Streamer
Giri shares game insights live and via YouTube, with a popular channel.
41. Noted for Self-Drawn Games
He often jokes about having many drawn games, holding a record for draws.
42. Fluent in Nepali and Hindi
Reflecting his multicultural family background.
43. Achieved Peak Live Rating Above 2800
Reached 2800+ briefly during the 2015 FIDE Grand Prix.
44. Won European Club Cup with Team Globus
Played alongside top players like Kramnik and Grischuk.
45. First Grandmaster Norm at the Intomart GfK Open
Achieved in 2008 while still a junior player.
46. Defeated Magnus Carlsen Twice in Tata Steel Tournaments
First in 2011 and then in 2023, breaking a 12-year drought.
47. Known for a Solid, Conservative Style
Many say he is more difficult to beat than even Magnus Carlsen.
48. Youngest Dutch Champion Ever
Won his first Dutch championship in 2009 at just 14 years old.
49. Played on First Board for Netherlands Since 2012 Olympiad
Leading the national team for over a decade.
50. Holds a FIDE Peak Ranking of #3 Globally
Reached this in early 2016, cementing him as elite.
51. Part of Team Secret Esports Since 2025
First chess player signed by the European esports organization Team Secret.
52. Won the Sharjah Masters 2025
Clinched clear first place with 7/9 score.
53. Known for Sharp Opening Choices Including Sicilian Najdorf
Popularized some novelties and contributed to opening theory.
54. Published Chess Articles for Major Magazines
Contributed analyses to New in Chess, 64, and Schach Magazin.
55. Frequently Collaborates with His Wife Sopiko Guramishvili
They work together on training and chess-related content.
56. Active on YouTube with Over 220,000 Subscribers
Shares game analysis, banter, and chess education.
57. Won the Reykjavik Open 2017
Scored 8½/10, undefeated in the event.
58. Competed in Grand Chess Tour Events
Regular participant in elite rapid and classical tournaments.
59. Known for Witty Chess Banter and Interviews
His humor makes him popular among fans and commentators.
60. Played First International Tournament at Corus Chess 2009
Shared second place in Group C, earning his final GM norm.
61. Beat Vassily Ivanchuk in a Match in 2013
A highlight victory against a former World Championship contender.
62. Known for Solid Performances in Team Events
Contributed to Dutch and European club team successes.
63. Frequently Analyzes His Own Games Publicly
Shares insights into his thought process with fans.
64. Participated in the Candidates Tournament 2020-21
Finished in a tie for third place with Fabiano Caruana.
65. Has a Classic Neo-Grünfeld Repertoire
Frequently employs this defense with success.
66. Was Defeated by Nodirbek Abdusattorov in 2021 World Cup
An upset loss to a young rising star.
67. Known for Using Psychology and Humor at the Board
Famous for joking and lightheartedness even in tense games.
68. Holds a Degree from Grotius College in Delft
Balanced education and professional chess career early on.
69. His First Chess Coach Was Asya Kovalyova
She helped nurture his early talent in Saint Petersburg.
70. Known for His Rapid and Blitz Skills
Often achieves excellent results in fast time controls.
71. Played in Spanish, French, German, and Russian Leagues
Competed internationally in club chess competitions.
72. Has Played Over 2000 Rated Classical Games
His vast experience includes games against nearly all top players.
73. Frequently Advocates Chess as a Tool for Education
Supports initiatives using chess to improve youth skills.
74. Known for Quick Endgame Technique
Strong in technical endgames and precise play.
75. Has Defeated Multiple World Champions
Including victories over Magnus Carlsen and Vladimir Kramnik.
76. Participated in Charity Chess Events
Uses his fame to support charitable causes.
77. Often Wears T-Shirts with Funny Chess Quotes
A part of his personality and fan appeal.
78. Known for Deep Opening Preparation
Often surprises opponents with novelties in well-studied lines.
79. Has a Distinctive Calm Demeanor at the Board
Rarely shows frustration or tension during play.
80. Supports Chess Education in Nepal and India
Strong cultural ties to South Asia influence his outreach.
81. Popular Chess Commentator and Analyst
Offers insightful commentary for top chess events worldwide.
82. Has Been Featured on the Cover of Chess Magazines
Recognized as one of the new generation of chess stars.
83. Known for Sharp Tactical Awareness
Despite solid style, can unleash brilliant tactics when needed.
84. His 2023 Tata Steel Victory Marked a Career Highlight
Winning one of the most prestigious chess tournaments worldwide.
85. Famous for Playing Complex Ruy Lopez Lines
Often battles in highly theoretical mainline openings.
86. Has a Large Online Following
Engages fans through social media and streaming platforms.
87. Was a Frequent Participant in the Grand Chess Tour
Competed against the world’s elite regularly.
88. Holds Multiple National and International Titles
Including Dutch champion and international tournament winner.
89. Frequently Reaches the Later Stages of World Cup Tournaments
Shows consistency on the highest levels of chess competition.
90. His Peak Live Rating Briefly Crossed 2800
One of the few players to reach this elite threshold.
91. Known for Friendly Rivalries with Peers
Often seen joking and having fun with other grandmasters.
92. Has Been Commented on as the Toughest Opponent to Defeat
Peers say it’s easier to beat Magnus Carlsen than Giri sometimes.
93. His Strategic Play is Influenced by Classical Chess Principles
Strong foundation in positional chess and endgame technique.
94. Has a Wide Opening Repertoire Including French Defense
Known for flexibility and variety to surprise opponents.
95. Actively Creates Chess Training Content
Shares knowledge through courses and articles for aspiring players.
96. Regularly Participates in Online Chess Events
Adapted well to online formats during the COVID-19 pandemic.
97. Married Fellow Chess Player Sopiko Guramishvili
Both share passion for chess and work together professionally.
98. Has a Calm and Analytical Personality Off the Board
Known for thoughtful and humble demeanor in interviews.
99. Constantly Working on New Chess Innovations
Seeks to develop fresh ideas and approaches in openings and middlegame.
100. Seen as a Role Model for Young Chess Players
Anish Giri’s dedication and achievements inspire the next generation worldwide.
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