14th World Champion Kramnik Retires From Classical Chess

Today Vladimir Kramnik announced his retirement from classical chess. A few days after finishing in a tie for last place in Wijk aan Zee, the 14th world champion revealed that it was his last serious tournament.

The announcement, published on the Tata Steel Chess tournament website, came from The Hague, the Netherlands where Kramnik will be playing the traditional simultaneous exhibition against politicians today.

"I already decided to finish my professional chess career a couple of months ago and now, after having played my last tournament, I would like to announce it publicly," Kramnik was quoted in the press release.

Vladimir Kramnik at the 2018 Paris Grand Chess Tour. | Photo: Maria Emelianova/Chess.com.

The Russian GM's last serious tournament finished only two days ago in Wijk aan Zee, where he finished on a disappointing 4.5/13.

Kramnik: "The life of a professional chess player was a great journey and I am very thankful to chess for all it has given me. It has sometimes been difficult, sometimes more successful than I could ever imagine, but in any case it has been a priceless human experience for me. I have always tried my best to give it all from my side, being fully involved in it while working and playing chess."

Several years ago Kramnik had already hinted that he would quit playing serious chess around the age of 40. He continued 2.5 more years, and even in that time added to his catalogue with impressive games in the twilight of his career.

Just last year, his win over Levon Aronian was named the #2 game of 2018 by Chess.com's content team.

"I have also expressed in interviews before that I would like to try doing something else one day, and since my chess player motivation has dropped significantly in recent months, it feels like the right moment for it. I would like to concentrate on projects which I have been developing during the last months especially in the field of chess for children and education. I will soon provide more detailed information about those."

Kramnik will not be leaving the world of chess altogether. In fact, as an invitee for the 2019 Grand Chess Tour, he is likely to be a wildcard in one or two of their tournaments.

"I might still like to play a rapid or blitz chess tournament at times, or do a simultaneous like the Tata Steel Chess simultaneous in the Dutch parliament building this afternoon and will participate in various events connected with chess, popularizing this great game."

Jeroen van den Berg, director of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament, commented: "I am honored that Vladimir Kramnik has picked the Tata Steel Chess Tournament to be his last. I would have liked to see him to take leave with a better result, though. Vladimir is a great player. He is dynamic, all-round and a great fighter with a very keen insight. But above all he is a wonderful and warm person, with a great sense of humor. I will miss his presence in the top of the chess world, as will many chess aficionados all over the world. I wish him all the best with everything he is going to undertake and am sure our paths will cross again many more times."

Vladimir Kramnik at the 2018 Norway Chess tournament. | Photo: Maria Emelianova/Chess.com.

Kramnik is one of the true great champions of the game. He won just about every major tournament in his career, including Dos Hermanas, Horgen, Tilburg Tata Steel Chess, Linares, the Tal Memorial, the Melody Amber, Dortmund (10 times!) and London.

In 2000, Kramnik dethroned Garry Kasparov in their world championship match in London. Kramnik won 8.5-6.5 without losing a game.

Already up one win and with his black defense showing no holes (which had the effect of creating a resurgence in the Berlin), this win in game 10 made his lead two games and essentially salted away the match:

Kramnik then retained his title in matches with Peter Leko (2004) and Veselin Topalov (2006).

Being only an FM and just 16 years old, Kramnik was put on the Russian squad for the Manila Olympiad, getting strong support from Kasparov. Kramnik stunned the chess world when he scored 8.5/9 and a 2958 performance, good for individual gold. He would score +36 =50 -4 at Olympiads in total, winning four gold, two silver and two bronze team medals and four individual gold medals.

After that Manila Olympiad, Kramnik entered the world's top 10 for the first time in January 1993, when he was 17 years old. Except for October and November 2014, he always remained a top-10 player but due to his bad result in Wijk aan Zee this year, he will drop to #15 on the February rating list.

Here's one more game, an early rapid win over Kasparov that showed Big Vlad was the real deal:

Legend https://t.co/IWhsskYnlT

— Anish Giri (@anishgiri) January 29, 2019

A sad day. Always an automatic first pick for @london_chess Suggesting he might get involved with chess and education I hope so, he is one of the greatest ambassadors for the game. Perhaps he could help #FIDE ? Looking forward to some Best Games volumes! https://t.co/nqIhdxivsi

— Malcolm Pein (@TelegraphChess) January 29, 2019

Kramnik told me a few years ago at the London Classic that when he felt he couldn't maintain his true level then he'd call it a day. He gave it one last punt in Wijk but it was clear that the spark had gone. He is a true champion and wish him all the best in his future endeavours

— Lawrence Trent (@LawrenceTrentIM) January 29, 2019

Very sad to hear about the retirement of Vladimir Kramnik. It was an honour to play him several times, including as an 11-year-old (see below). He also taught me a lesson at last year's Olympiad. A true gentleman and one of my favourite players. #legendofchess pic.twitter.com/EzWalUSbHU

— David Howell (@DavidHowellGM) January 29, 2019

It's a sad day for chess. Another giant leaves the game earlier than we all would hope for.Vladimir Kramnik leaves an incredible legacy behind him. Almost every opening line played in last 25 years has his major input.Thanks maestro https://t.co/1xgAAJ0rcR https://t.co/1xgAAJ0rcR

— Levon Aronian (@LevAronian) January 29, 2019

💔😟 https://t.co/KOknlaQi6f

— Yan Nepomniachtchi (@lachesisq) January 29, 2019

One of my best Kramnik memories, was when he brought a bottle of Gin (!) ("It's better than nothing!") from his hotel room in Stavanger while playing blitz vs MVL and Nakamura and several others near the lobby in the middle of the night. #Legend. pic.twitter.com/NakMBT2Iv7

— Tarjei J. Svensen (@TarjeiJS) January 29, 2019

Read this just as I am analysing my first and only game ever against him. One of the greatest chess players of all times. https://t.co/975hcpzCLC

— Jorden van Foreest (@jordenvforeest) January 29, 2019

The young Vladimir Kramnik at a session of the Kasparov-Botvinnik #Chess School, with Mikhail Botvinnik seated on the right. (Photo via https://t.co/hQeYxX6dFd.) USSR, late 1980s. pic.twitter.com/2xefUVEOBl

— Douglas Griffin (@dgriffinchess) February 25, 2018

An early photo of the 14th World #Chess Champion, Vladimir Kramnik. (Photo from Kramnik family archives.) pic.twitter.com/AWwXnySbQN

— Douglas Griffin (@dgriffinchess) January 29, 2019

Kramnik has always been one of my favorite players. He always pops up in my head whenever I start thinking about the greatest of all time. #Chess

— Jesse Kraai (@JesseKraai) January 29, 2019

One of the true legends of the game and one of the most friendly players on the tour. Enjoy your retirement, Big Vlad! pic.twitter.com/ajTNQOTTl2

— Lennart Ootes (@LennartOotes) January 29, 2019

Vladimir Kramnik retiring from #chess is really an end of an era. Back in 2000 he accomplished what few thought was possible, when he dethroned Garry Kasparov. Generations of chess players looked up to him and drew inspiration from his extraordinary opening ideas. https://t.co/aCCua6Ldzp

— Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen (@VCmilyte) January 29, 2019

Vladimir Kramnik bows out after a magnificent career. His #chess has been often exquisite, and always instructive. I might add that I know exactly what he means about flagging motivation.

— Nigel Short (@nigelshortchess) January 29, 2019

Vlady,a friend,rival and confidant. One of the most influential chess players of our times.His rivalry was a constant inspiration.I will miss his dry humour at tournaments. For me you will always be the Big Vlad from 89. All the best Vlady in your new avatar.#VladimirKramnik

— Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) January 29, 2019

The new Kramnik, aka "I was completely winning", was much funnier than the old one, one of the greatest chess players ever. Don't know which one I'll miss the most. Thanks VK for all the fresh ideas brought to the chess board.

— Romain Edouard (@romain_edouard) January 29, 2019

Later today, FIDE will announce the wildcards for the candidates have been abolished

— Magnus Carlsen (@MagnusCarlsen) January 29, 2019

What a fantastic carrier by the World Champion Kramnik. While Vlad was one of the most difficult opponents to me, off the board we had many friendly discussions. I welcome that he is joining to promote chess for children, which is a core activity of the Judit Polgar Foundation.

— Judit Polgar (@GMJuditPolgar) January 29, 2019

Farewell to one of the great legends of modern chess! https://t.co/i3f2YMqLMT

— Hikaru Nakamura (@GMHikaru) January 29, 2019

#Kramnik The first player to break Kasparov - his career could be remembered for that alone. But there is also a wonderful legacy of games, and a gent on and off the board.

— Daniel King (@DanielKingChess) January 29, 2019

We were fortunate to have Kramnik twice in Doha during @Qatar_Masters in 2014 and 2015.
I met him for the first time in 1990 in Singapore, and he became one of my favourite players since 1992 Manila Olympiad. pic.twitter.com/4hS0ZK5SSH

— Mohamed Al-Mudahka (@almodiahki) January 29, 2019

Mike Klein contributed to this report.