In the high-stakes world of professional chess, where prodigies rise and fall with bewildering speed, there exists a unique breed of player: the consistent elite, forever knocking on the door of ultimate glory. Anish Giri, the Dutch Grandmaster, stands as a prime example. For well over a decade, his name has been synonymous with the top tier of chess, his Elo rating frequently hovering around the prestigious 2800 mark. Yet, despite two Candidates Tournament appearances and countless strong performances, the World Championship title – that elusive jewel – has remained just out of reach. Now, amidst a generational shift, Giri is not just holding his ground; he`s charting a path forward, armed with experience, unyielding motivation, and a defensive prowess that borders on the legendary.
The Unbroken Resolve of a “Nearly-Man”
The label “nearly-man” might sting for some, but Giri embraces his unique position with characteristic wit and a clear perspective. While some of his contemporaries, even legends like Magnus Carlsen, have expressed waning motivation for the rigors of classical chess, Giri sees his unfulfilled ambition as a potent fuel. He recently remarked, Of course, Carlsen has won everything, I don`t have that problem, so motivation is still very much there.
This isn`t a complaint; it`s a declaration. For Giri, the dream of becoming World Champion isn`t a burden; it`s the very engine of his continued dedication to the game.
His confidence isn`t merely aspirational; it`s grounded in his continued performance. A recent victory at the 2025 Sharjah Masters, where he triumphed over formidable young talent Nodirbek Abdusattorov, serves as a powerful reminder of his enduring class. He doesn`t shy away from self-assessment, confidently stating, My tournaments are fine, but also I play with my other colleagues, with my friends, who are also strong players. And I play training games. And I just see that I`m still very strong.
This isn`t arrogance; it`s the quiet assurance of a master who understands his craft.
The Generational Gambit: Experience Against Youthful Fire
The contemporary chess landscape is a battlefield where young titans like D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, and Alireza Firouzja are rewriting the rules, often with breathtaking speed and aggressive computing-fueled tactics. Giri, who burst onto the scene as a prodigy himself, now finds himself on the other side of this generational divide. He humorously recounts, When I tell these young guys what it was like ten years ago, they look at me like I`m some kind of grandpa.
Yet, this “grandpa” status comes with a profound advantage: wisdom. While the youngsters might wield sharper opening theory derived from super-computers, Giri brings an unparalleled depth of understanding to the middlegame and endgame. His experience allows him to discern patterns and anticipate pitfalls that even the most well-prepared younger players might overlook. When I play a lot of players, what I immediately see is mistakes. Sometimes they`re committing them after a long thought,
he observes, a subtle testament to the power of accumulated knowledge.
The Art of Not Losing: Giri`s Defensive Masterclass
Perhaps Giri`s most defining characteristic, and undeniably his greatest strength, is his almost impregnable defensive prowess. In an era where aggressive, decisive play is often celebrated, Giri has perfected the art of not losing. His statistics for 2025 are telling: out of 34 classical games, he has suffered just one loss, drawing 24 others. Because I am such a good defender, I can draw even when I`m playing badly,
he explains, a statement that might sound humble but speaks volumes about his resilience.
This skill was on full display recently at the Chennai Grand Masters, where he managed seven draws in the first seven rounds. He candidly admitted he should`ve lost two games
against Vidit Gujrathi and Nihal Sarin but found miraculous defensive resources to salvage a draw. It`s this extraordinary ability to cling on, to find a lifeline in the most desperate positions, that makes him such a formidable opponent. He might not always win flashy games, but he is notoriously difficult to defeat, turning potential losses into crucial half-points.
The Unfinished Symphony: A World Championship Call
Anish Giri isn`t just playing chess; he`s conducting an unfinished symphony, with the World Championship title as its grand finale. He candidly admits that retiring now, without giving the crown another proper shot
in the current cycle, would feel like a crime against his career.
While the lure of a relaxed life on the beach with some money
is acknowledged, the fire of competition burns too brightly.
With upcoming challenges like the Grand Swiss and the World Cup looming, Giri sees opportunities. He possesses the complete arsenal: vast experience, tactical acumen, and that almost supernatural defensive shield. He isn`t asking for miracles, just a little bit of luck
to complement his prodigious skill. In a chess world increasingly dominated by youth, Anish Giri stands as a seasoned sentinel, a testament to the enduring power of resilience and the quiet conviction that one`s greatest triumph might still be on the horizon. Can this “nearly-man” finally become the champion? The chess world watches with bated breath.
