Player’s Profile: Anish Kumar Giri

Full Name: Anish Kumar Giri

Peak FIDE Rating: 2798 (October 2015)

Active Since: 2009 (became a GM in 2009 at age 14)

Federation: Netherlands

Player Description:

Anish Giri (born June 28, 1994, in Saint Petersburg, Russia) is one of the world’s most prominent Grandmasters and a leading figure in Dutch chess. Born to a Nepalese father and a Russian mother, Giri spent his early years in Russia and later moved to Japan before settling in the Netherlands, the country he has represented since 2009.

Known for his brilliant opening preparation, razor-sharp positional play, and strong drawing resistance, Giri became a Grandmaster at just 14 years and 7 months old , one of the youngest ever to achieve the title. Over the years, he has matured into one of the most consistent elite players in the world and has frequently been ranked among the top 10 globally.

Apart from his over-the-board strength, Giri is also widely admired for his wit, social media presence, and insightful chess commentary. He has represented the Netherlands in numerous Chess Olympiads and has led his team from the front as the top board. Giri is also a regular participant in elite tournaments like the Candidates, Wijk aan Zee (Tata Steel), and the Grand Chess Tour.

Career Scorecard:

• World Championship Cycle Appearances: NA

• FIDE Candidates Tournament: 2016, 2020–21, 2022

  
  

National Championships:

• Dutch Chess Champion: 2009, 2011, 2012, 2015

Olympiad Medals:

• Represented the Netherlands in 7 Olympiads (2010–2022)

• Individual Silver Medal on Board 1: Olympiad 2010 (Khanty-Mansiysk)

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Tournaments Won:

• Corus Group C (2009)

• Reggio Emilia Tournament (2012)

• Reykjavik Open (2017)

• Shenzhen Masters (2019)

• Tata Steel Chess Tournament (2023)

  
  

Memorable Games:

1. Giri vs. Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, Tata Steel 2023

Giri stunned the world with a clinical victory over the aggressive Mamedyarov during the Tata Steel 2023 tournament. His deep preparation in the Sicilian and flawless transition into a powerful kingside attack marked one of the finest games of the event. This win was crucial to Giri’s eventual tournament victory in Wijk aan Zee.

2. Giri vs. Magnus Carlsen, Norway Chess 2018

One of Giri’s most famous wins came against the then World Champion Magnus Carlsen, where he outplayed him positionally with the white pieces. The game was significant both for its quality and the psychological weight of beating Carlsen in his home event. Giri's precise maneuvers and strategic depth were on full display.

3. Giri vs. Aronian, Candidates Tournament 2020–21

Giri's victory over Levon Aronian was a highlight of his Candidates campaign. With black, he showcased exceptional preparation in the Grünfeld Defence and maintained accurate play under pressure. It was a pivotal win that kept him in contention until the final rounds of the tournament.