In the high-stakes world of professional chess, some players consistently orbit the pinnacle, their brilliance undeniable, yet the ultimate prize – the World Championship title – remains just out of reach. Anish Giri, the Dutch Grandmaster, stands as a prominent figure in this intriguing cohort. For over a decade, Giri has been a fixture among the global elite, boasting an ELO rating exceeding 2800 and multiple Candidates Tournament appearances. Yet, his career narrative has often been one of “what if?” – a testament to his immense talent, perhaps, but also to the elusive nature of the sport`s highest honor.

The Fire Still Burns: Motivation Beyond Accolades

Despite a career filled with near-misses and the relentless pressure of elite competition, Giri`s ambition remains undimmed. Unlike some of his celebrated peers, such as Magnus Carlsen, who confess to waning motivation for classical chess after achieving every conceivable title, Giri finds his drive rooted in the very challenges he has yet to conquer. “Of course, Carlsen has won everything, I don`t have that problem, so motivation is still very much there,” he wryly noted during the Chennai Grand Masters 2025. This self-awareness, coupled with a deep-seated desire to etch his name into history, fuels his continued pursuit.

Navigating the Generational Shift: Experience as a Weapon

The contemporary chess landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation, marked by the meteoric rise of prodigious talents. Names like Gukesh Dommaraju, R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Alireza Firouzja, and Nodirbek Abdusattorov have collectively lowered the average age at the top, challenging established hierarchies. One might expect a veteran like Giri to feel outmaneuvered by this youthful revolution. However, he views the current dynamic with a seasoned perspective, drawing parallels to his own ascent against the likes of Carlsen, Levon Aronian, and Vladimir Kramnik in his earlier years.

“When I tell these young guys what it was like ten years ago, they look at me like I`m some kind of grandpa,” Giri quips, acknowledging the rapid evolution of chess thanks to computational analysis. Yet, this very experience, this deep understanding of the game`s changing tides, is precisely what he believes gives him an edge.

He maintains that his chances of becoming World Champion are no less now than they were a decade ago. His confidence stems from rigorous training and competitive play. “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,” he asserts, underlining his belief in his current capabilities.

The Defensive Fortress: A Unique Path to Victory

Giri`s strategy in this new era relies heavily on two formidable assets: his unparalleled experience and his exceptional defensive prowess. While many young players excel in aggressive, computer-assisted tactical battles, Giri`s ability to navigate complex positions and, crucially, to avoid losing, sets him apart. In 2025, for instance, his record of 34 classical games included a mere single loss and an impressive 24 draws, showcasing a defensive solidity that is almost unmatched.

His capacity to draw games even when in a less favorable position is a testament to his resilience. “Because I am such a good defender, I can draw even when I`m playing badly,” he frankly admits. This was evident even at the Chennai Grand Masters, where he managed to salvage draws from seemingly lost positions against opponents like Vidit Gujrathi and Nihal Sarin. This “being-so-difficult-to-beat-ness” is not merely a survival tactic; it`s a strategic weapon, ensuring he remains a constant threat, always in contention, and perpetually accumulating crucial half-points.

Looking Ahead: The Final Push for the Crown

For Anish Giri, the journey is far from over. He views retiring now, without a serious push for the World Championship in the current cycle, as a “crime against his career.” The qualification process for the 2026 Candidates Tournament looms large, representing a critical juncture for his ambitions. While a tranquil beach retirement holds its appeal, his intrinsic passion for the game and unwavering self-belief keep him firmly rooted at the chessboard.

Victories like the 2025 Sharjah Masters, where he triumphed over Abdusattorov, serve as potent reminders of his competitive fire and capability. With the upcoming Grand Swiss and World Cup on the horizon, Giri eyes these tournaments as vital steps towards dethroning the reigning champion, Gukesh. A little bit of luck, he believes, combined with his unique blend of experience and impenetrable defense, could finally propel him to the ultimate glory. In a game often dominated by youthful exuberance, Anish Giri`s methodical, resilient approach offers a compelling narrative of a veteran`s enduring quest for the summit.