India’s greatest ever chess player, the legendary GM Viswanathan Anand, has signed as a brand ambassador for Chess.com.

The five-time world champion will bring his incredible knowledge and experience to the world’s biggest chess platform throughout 2024 and beyond.

Anand’s aim is to help broaden the appeal of chess in an effort to strengthen the game at home and abroad. Following the agreement, Anand will make regular appearances on Chess.com’s channels.

Among other highlights, fans will be treated to:

• Exclusive Vishy Anand content
• Weekly Vishy Anand tournaments with special prizes 
• Appearances on Chess.com’s live and online events
• Chances for players & fans to meet and play with him
• Commentary on top global and Indian events.

Anand said: „Chess is exploding in India right now and there are millions of people wanting to play, watch, and improve their game. I am honored to be able to help by passing on what I have learnt down the years and there is no better platform to do so on than Chess.com.

“I’ll be appearing on shows to commentate, creating fun content, meeting fans and creating new resources to help give back to the chess community both in India and abroad. I can’t wait to get started!“

Chess.com’s Chief Chess Officer, IM Danny Rensch said: “We are humbled to have Vishy on board for Chess.com. Vishy is not only one of the best chess players of all time, but he’s also one of the most influential ambassadors the game has ever seen. When Vishy speaks, everyone listens, and we’re super excited to continue working with him to bring more of his insights and personality to the world!“

Chess.com’s Country Director, Avadh Shah said: “Viswanathan Anand is one of the greatest sports persons our country has ever produced. He is a huge legend and icon in India. We are delighted to welcome him to the Chess.com family. As the world’s no.1 chess platform, we look forward to working with him to grow chess and make the sport accessible to newer audiences all across the country.”

The popularity of chess has sky-rocketed in India in recent years at the same time as India’s elite players have turned the country into a powerhouse on the world stage.

Latest figures show Chess.com now has more than 13 million registered users in India, a 400% growth in overall users since 2019. Chess.com has also seen a 90x growth in viewership from India on its YouTube channels.

Meanwhile, the number of Indians qualifying for grandmaster norms has doubled from 42 to 84 meaning the country now has more top players than ever.

India as a nation is ranked second in the world after the U.S. and has the second strongest set of players in the Women’s section after China. Yet 2024 promises to be an even bigger year for Indian chess.

For the first time, five Indians are in with a chance of making it through to a world championship match via the upcoming FIDE Candidates tournament, the final eliminator before the most prestigious event in chess.

GMs Humpy Koneru and Vaishali Rameshbabu compete in the Women’s Candidates tournament in April while GMs Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, Vidit Gujrathi and Gukesh Dommaraju compete in the open Candidates event. If any of them win, they will have earned the chance to follow in Anand’s footsteps and become India’s next world champion.

Anand, known as “The Tiger of Madras”, is considered India’s greatest player ever. He is a five time World Champion and held the undisputed title from 2007 to 2013. His meteoric rise as a youngster with his lightning speed got him recognition on the world stage. In a career spanning more than four decades he has been a top player winning a glittering array of tournaments.

He has further strengthened his legacy by mentoring India’s brightest talents and helping the game reach new audiences. Anand is still ranked number 11 in the world.