Global Chess League 2024: All about PBG Alaskan Knights' star Anish Giri

Grandmaster Anish Giri is a prominent figure in the chess world, celebrated for his impressive achievements as a four-time Dutch champion. He has consistently demonstrated his world-class skills, having reached a peak ranking of number three globally and a highest rating of 2802 on February 15, 2015. Giri has been a stalwart representative for the Netherlands at various Chess Olympiads since 2010, showcasing his talent on the international stage.

Among his many accomplishments, Giri secured victory at the prestigious 2012 Reggio Emilia tournament and triumphed in the 2017 Reykjavik Open, further establishing his reputation as one of the elite players in the sport. His journey to significant recognition continued with his first major win at the Shenzhen Masters in the summer of 2019, where he showcased exceptional skill and determination.

In March 2021, Giri added another feather to his cap by winning the Magnus Carlsen Invitational, a testament to his prowess and ability to compete against the best in the world. Known for his deep strategic understanding and preparation, Giri's contributions to chess extend beyond his individual accolades; he inspires a new generation of players while continuing to challenge the world's best. His career remains a fascinating narrative in the ever-evolving landscape of competitive chess.

In 2019, Anish Giri once again showcased his talent by finishing second in the Tata Steel tournament, where reigning champion Magnus Carlsen claimed victory. Giri outperformed several elite players, including GMs Ian Nepomniachtchi, Ding Liren, and Viswanathan Anand. He also won the Shenzhen Masters tournament that year, besting a strong field that included GMs Harikrishna, Ding, and Richard Rapport. Giri qualified for the 2020 Candidates Tournament by achieving the highest rating average for 2019. However, the tournament was postponed on March 26, 2020, due to travel restrictions and the COVID-19 pandemic. At the halfway point, he had a score of 3.5/7, trailing the leaders by one point.

In June 2020, Giri won the Mr. Dodgy Invitational and followed it up with a significant online victory at the Magnus Carlsen Invitational in March 2021, defeating GM Nepomniachtchi in the final for a prize of $60,000. When the Candidates Tournament resumed in April 2021, Giri had a strong performance, reaching 7.5/12 with two rounds remaining. Unfortunately, he lost his final two games, finishing tied for third but ultimately securing third place on tiebreaks alongside Fabiano Caruana.