Celebrating International Chess Day: A Journey Through Time and Talent
International Chess Day, celebrated annually on July 20th, marks the anniversary of the founding of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in 1924. This day has become a global celebration, bringing together chess enthusiasts from all corners of the world to honor the game’s rich history and its most prominent players.
In recent years, International Chess Day has seen a surge in popularity, with events and tournaments held worldwide. This year, the focus was on promoting the game to new players, with FIDE encouraging chess fans to teach someone how to play. The campaign aimed to introduce more people to the strategic and intellectual challenges of chess, fostering a new generation of players.
The history of chess is filled with legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the game. From the early pioneers to modern-day grandmasters, each has contributed to the evolution of chess.
Wilhelm Steinitz, often regarded as the first official World Chess Champion, reigned from 1886 to 1894, laying the foundation for competitive chess. Emanuel Lasker followed, holding the title for 27 years, from 1894 to 1921, one of the longest reigns in chess history. Innovators like Aron Nimzowitsch revolutionized strategy with works such as “My System” in the early 20th century.
The American prodigy Bobby Fischer‘s victory over Boris Spassky in the 1972 World Championship remains one of the most iconic matches. Garry Kasparov, who dominated the chess world from the late 1980s to the early 2000s, achieved a peak rating of 2851, one of the highest ever. Magnus Carlsen, the current World Chess Champion, has held the title since 2013 and continues to push the boundaries of the game with his exceptional skills.
Viswanathan Anand is one of India’s most celebrated chess grandmasters and a five-time World Chess Champion. Born in Tamil Nadu, Anand’s journey in chess began at the age of six, learning the game from his mother. His early career saw numerous achievements, including becoming the first Indian to earn the Grandmaster title in 1988. Anand’s first World Chess Championship title came in 2000, and he went on to win the title five times, defending it against top players like Vladimir Kramnik and Veselin Topalov. Known for his skills in rapid and blitz chess, Anand’s impact on the game is profound, having inspired countless young players in India and around the world. His awards include the Khel Ratna Award and the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award.
Other notable Indian players include Pentala Harikrishna, a top player who has represented India in numerous international tournaments; Vidit Gujrathi, known for his consistent performances; and young talents like Arjun Erigaisi, Gukesh D, and Praggnanandhaa R.
Chess has transcended cultural and geographical boundaries, becoming a universal language of intellect and strategy. The rise of online chess platforms has made the game more accessible than ever, allowing players from all walks of life to connect and compete.
As we celebrate International Chess Day, we look forward to the future of chess, where new talents will emerge, and the game will continue to inspire and challenge players around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned grandmaster or a curious beginner, there’s always a place for you in the world of chess.
Current Top Chess Players (November 2024)
| Rank | Player Name | Country | Rating |
| 1 | Magnus Carlsen | Norway | 2831 |
| 2 | Fabiano Caruana | USA | 2805 |
| 3 | Hikaru Nakamura | USA | 2802 |
| 4 | Arjun Erigaisi | India | 2799 |
| 5 | Gukesh D | India | 2783 |
| 6 | Nodirbek Abdusattorov | Uzbekistan | 2777 |
| 7 | Alireza Firouzja | France | 2763 |
| 8 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Russia | 2755 |
| 9 | Wei Yi | China | 2753 |
| 10 | Viswanathan Anand | India | 2750 |