From Boardroom to Board: Viswanathan Anand Balances FIDE Presidency with Competitive Drive

The world of chess often struggles to find words that capture the essence of Viswanathan Anand. The five-time world champion carries a quiet, composed aura—the stillness of a grandmaster who conquered the complexities of the game decades ago and remains a towering figure in the sport’s history.

However, since July 24, 2026, that familiar stillness has been transplanted into the high-stakes world of sports administration. Following the voluntary step-back of Arkady Dvorkovich due to international sanctions, the 56-year-old Indian icon has stepped in as the interim President of FIDE, the global governing body for chess. While his tenure is temporary—concluding with the upcoming elections on September 26—the weight of the role is significant.

“More Work Than Being Deputy”

In an exclusive interaction, the Chennai-born legend reflected on his transition from Deputy President to the helm of the federation. “It’s more work than being deputy president,” Anand admitted with his characteristic half-smile. “When I was the deputy, I only had to step in when Arkady couldn’t make it. Now, I have to conduct a lot of the federation’s business.”

Despite the global reach of the position, Anand noted that he has managed to keep his travel to a minimum by leveraging technology. “I’ve been attending many, many more meetings—quite often, very long Zoom meetings with people from all over the world,” he explained. While the administrative intensity peaked last week as the agenda was set for the upcoming General Assembly in Samarkand, the load has since stabilized, allowing him to turn his attention back to the 64 squares.

Undiminished Hunger for the GCL

Despite the pressures of navigating a federation through a transitional period, Anand’s appetite for competitive chess remains sharp. This year, he returns to the Global Chess League (GCL) representing the Alaskan Knights, and he is clearly aiming for the top of the podium.

“I can tell you my hunger for the GCL trophy is still there,” he asserted. “I would very much love for us to pull that off. I’m very motivated, and I hope to do my best and get us into the final.”

For Anand, the GCL represents a unique, modern iteration of the game that he genuinely enjoys. “It’s not the kind of event I used to play in; it’s really a new experience,” he said. He dismissed any suggestion that his administrative duties might distract from his performance, noting that he compartmentalizes his life by sticking to a disciplined, day-by-day routine.

Competitive Intensity

As the GCL gets set to take place in Bengaluru from September 5-13, critics might wonder if such a fast-paced format loses its professional edge. Anand is quick to dispel that notion.

“They are as competitive as anywhere else,” he noted. “Players are simply adapting their approach for faster time controls and the pressure of watching your teammates. Once you account for the different atmosphere, it is just as serious as any other top-level event.”

For the next few weeks, the global chess community is being steered by a man who, at the end of every exhausting meeting, still finds his solace in the game itself. When asked about his strategy for managing such a dual existence, he keeps it simple: “I don’t plan days in advance; I meet them as they come. I know I have to play somebody tomorrow, and I will get ready for it.”