Vladimir Kramnik
The 14th undisputed World Chess Champion who unified the classical and FIDE titles.
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Vladimir Borisovich Kramnik (born 25 June 1975) is a Russian chess grandmaster. He was the Classical World Chess Champion from 2000 to 2006, and the 14th undisputed World Chess Champion from 2006 to 2007.
Lore & Background
Kramnik defeated Garry Kasparov in 2000 to become Classical World Chess Champion. He defended his title in 2004 against Peter Leko, and defeated FIDE World Champion Veselin Topalov in a unification match in 2006, becoming the first undisputed World Champion since Kasparov split from FIDE in 1993. He lost the title to Viswanathan Anand in 2007 and lost a rematch in 2008. He played in four more Candidates tournaments between 2012 and 2018.
He announced his retirement in January 2019 to focus on chess for children and education. He reached a peak rating of 2817 in October 2016. He was the youngest ever to reach world number one, breaking Kasparov's record; this record stood until Magnus Carlsen broke it in 2010. He is the second of only 15 players to reach a rating of 2800.
Reader's Guide
Kramnik is widely recognized for his contributions to opening theory. In recent years he has been widely criticized for accusing fellow players of cheating without substantial evidence. Comments he made before the death of Daniel Naroditsky prompted a FIDE Ethics investigation, which in July 2026 issued him a two-year worldwide ban, with the second year suspended for a three-year probationary period.
Did You Know?
- Kramnik was the first player since 1935 to play a world championship match without qualifying.
- He won the Chess Oscar in 2000.
- He won the strong Dortmund tournament ten times between 1995 and 2011.
- He served as a second for Kasparov in the 1995 Classical World Championship match against Anand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Vladimir Kramnik?
Vladimir Borisovich Kramnik is a Russian chess grandmaster, born on 25 June 1975, who reigned as the Classical World Chess Champion from 2000 through 2006 and then became the 14th undisputed World Champion in 2006. He is remembered as one of the most formidable classical players of the early 2000s.
How did Kramnik beat Garry Kasparov for the World Championship?
In 2000, Kramnik outplayed the long-dominant Garry Kasparov in the Classical World Championship match, finally dethroning the 15-year holder of the title. That victory announced Kramnik as a top-tier classical force and launched his reign as champion.
What was Kramnik's peak Elo rating?
Kramnik's career-high rating reached 2817, a figure that placed him among the highest-rated players ever recorded. He achieved that peak during his years as reigning World Champion.
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Sources
Compiled from Wikipedia and the sources listed below. Text from Wikipedia is available under CC BY-SA 4.0; this entry is adapted from it.
- Wikipedia: Vladimir Kramnik (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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