Kasparov and Anand: The Rivals of the ’90s Reunite in Clutch Chess 2025
Two of the most celebrated names in world chess, Garry Kasparov and Viswanathan Anand, are once again sitting across the board, years after their iconic world championship matches. The duo, whose rivalry defined an era in the 1990s, are currently meeting in Clutch Chess: The Legends 2025, an event hosted at the Saint Louis Chess Club.
The competition runs from October 7 to 11, marking one of the few occasions on which the two former world champions have faced each other since Kasparov retired from professional chess in 2005. The tournament features a 12-game Chess960 format, in a rapid and blitz time controls with a “clutch” scoring system, where victories in later rounds are worth more points and prize money.
From New York 1995 to Saint Louis 2025:
The Kasparov–Anand rivalry dates back to the early 1990s, when Anand emerged as the first true challenger from outside the Soviet chess school. Their most famous encounter came in the 1995 World Chess Championship, played at the World Trade Centre in New York. Anand stunned the reigning champion by taking the lead in the ninth game, but Kasparov retaliated with a string of decisive victories to win the match 10.5–7.5, retaining his crown.
Anand’s rise from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, to the world stage, which made him a national hero and the chess icon in India, while Kasparov’s dominance throughout the 1980s and 1990s kept him firmly established as one of the greatest players in history. Though their paths diverged after that match, Kasparov, focusing on writing, politics, and mentoring, and Anand, going on to win five world titles, mutual respect between the two has always been there.
Clutch Chess 2025 – Legends in Action Again:
In the current Clutch Chess: The Legends event, Kasparov and Anand are facing off alongside other chess greats in a spirit of friendly yet fierce competition. The event’s format, created by the Saint Louis Chess Club, embodies the spirit. Clutch games on later days are worth extra points, increasing pressure as the match progresses.
After the second day of play, Kasparov leads Anand, having displayed flashes of his old tactical brilliance. Anand, meanwhile, has fought hard but missed key chances in a few crucial moments. Despite Kasparov’s long absence from competitive chess, his deep preparation and fighting spirit remain evident on the board.
This renewed encounter between Kasparov and Anand has stirred nostalgia among older chess fans worldwide. Both players, now in their fifties, continue to show immense respect, not just for their accomplishments but for their persistent influence on the sport.
Kasparov, once the face of Soviet chess dominance, revolutionised the game with his pioneering use of computer preparation and opening innovations. Anand, on the other hand, globalised chess, inspiring generations across India and beyond with his calm, adaptable, and lightning-fast play.
Both legends have long transcended their roles as competitors. Kasparov is now an author, activist, and mentor to young chess prodigies, while Anand remains an active ambassador for the game, promoting chess education and training programs through the All-India Chess Federation.
Their meeting in 2025 isn’t about titles or rankings anymore; it’s about legacy and the beauty of chess itself.
