Viswanathan Anand Net Worth (Money & Salary)

Viswanathan Anand Net Worth (Money & Salary)
June 11, 2025
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What is Viswanathan Anand’s net worth?

An Indian chess champion, Viswanathan Anand boasts a net worth of $5 million. In 1988, he rose to prominence as India’s first Grandmaster, revolutionizing the chess landscape in his country. Anand was crowned FIDE World Champion in 2000, but his pinnacle achievements were during the period from 2007 to 2013, when he held the title of undisputed World Chess Champion, successfully defending it against Kramnik (2008), Topalov (2010), and Gelfand (2012) before ultimately losing the title to Magnus Carlsen. Renowned for his rapid calculations, he shone in rapid chess throughout his distinguished career. His five world championship titles, along with numerous tournament wins and three decades of presence at the elite level, solidify his reputation as one of chess’s greatest legends.

Anand was born on December 11, 1969, in Chennai (formerly Madras), India, where he was introduced to chess by his mother at the tender age of six. His innate talent quickly became apparent as he rapidly advanced in both local and national tournaments during his formative years.

Anand earned the moniker “Lightning Kid” early on in his career due to his exceptional speed and diverse playing style. His legendary speed chess capabilities allowed him to analyze complex positions and make quick decisions in mere seconds, often outpacing his opponents. This distinct talent aided him in securing victories in rapid and blitz chess tournaments throughout his career.

Anand’s ascent to the pinnacle of classical chess was characterized by resilience and adaptability. He claimed the FIDE World Champion title in 2000 in Tehran, Iran. However, his most significant triumphs occurred from 2007 to 2013 when he was the undisputed World Chess Champion. During this illustrious period, he defended his title against Vladimir Kramnik (2008), Veselin Topalov (2010), and Boris Gelfand (2012) before finally relinquishing it to Magnus Carlsen in 2013.

(THOMAS SAMSON/AFP/Getty Images)

One of Anand’s distinguishing features is his extraordinary longevity at the elite level. For over thirty years, he has remained competitive against shifting dynamics, evolving his style in response to different eras – from the classical chess that prevailed in the 1990s to the technological advancements of the 21st century. His capacity to integrate computer analysis with his creative instincts has kept him relevant in an increasingly technology-driven sport.

Beyond the chessboard, Anand is celebrated for his modest demeanor and diplomatic nature. His role as a global ambassador for chess has been particularly impactful in nurturing the game’s growth in India. His accolades include India’s second-highest civilian honor, the Padma Vibhushan, which he received in 2007.

Anand’s influence transcends his competitive success. He has played a pivotal role in transforming India into a chess powerhouse, motivating a new generation of players, including Pentala Harikrishna.

Established chess as a respected profession in India with his achievements, Koneru Humpy, alongside recent prodigies like R Praggnanandhaa, contributed significantly to this transformation. This success has resulted in enhanced support for the sport from both private and governmental sectors.

Anand, serving as both an author and chess ambassador, has penned numerous books. Among them is his autobiography, “Mind Master: Winning Lessons from a Champion’s Life” (2019), which shares his insights on chess and life. While continuing to compete in major tournaments, he is also dedicated to fostering young talent through the Westbridge Anand Chess Academy.

The data covers the years 2023 and 2024, with forecasts extending into 2025 and 2026. Additionally, there is an expansion of the forecast data to encompass 2027 and 2028.

* This information was taken from various sources around the world, including these countries:

Australia, Canada, USA, UK, UAE, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, US, United Kingdom, United States of America, Malaysia, U.S., South Africa, New Zealand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates.

Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antarctica, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan.

Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bouvet Island, Brazil, British Indian Ocean Territory, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi.

Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling Islands), Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Croatia (Hrvatska), Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic.

Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, France, Metropolitan, French Guiana, French Polynesia, French Southern Territories.

Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Heard and McDonald Islands, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy.

Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg.

Macau, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayotte, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar.

Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, Netherlands Antilles, New Caledonia, New Zealand (NZ), Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northern Mariana Islands, Norway.

Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Pitcairn, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe.

Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Helena, St. Pierre and Miquelon, Sudan, Suriname, Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria.

Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tokelau, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos Islands, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates (UAE), UK (United Kingdom), USA (United States of America, U.S.), US Minor Outlying Islands.

Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City State (Holy See), Venezuela, Vietnam, Virgin Islands (British), Virgin Islands (US), Wallis and Futuna Islands, Western Sahara, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe.