Vladimir Kramnik
Russian grandmaster who unified the world chess championship in 2006.
Vladimir Kramnik is a Russian chess grandmaster who was the Classical World Chess Champion from 2000 to 2006 and the 14th undisputed World Chess Champion from 2006 to 2007. He is known for defeating Garry Kasparov in 2000, unifying the world championship titles in 2006, and for his contributions to opening theory.
- field
- Chess
- nationality
- Russian
- known_for
- Classical World Chess Champion (2000–2006), 14th undisputed World Chess Champion
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
He defeated Garry Kasparov in 2000 for the Classical World Chess Championship, winning 8½–6½ without losing a game. Kramnik lost the undisputed title to Viswanathan Anand in 2007 and failed to regain it in 2008. In July 2026, the FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Commission issued him a two-year worldwide ban for accusing fellow players of cheating without substantial evidence.
Reader's Guide
Vladimir Kramnik's significance lies in his role as a transitional figure in chess history. By defeating Garry Kasparov in 2000, he ended Kasparov's long reign and became the Classical World Champion. His legacy also includes controversy: in later years, he repeatedly accused fellow players of cheating without substantial evidence, leading to a FIDE investigation and a two-year ban in 2026.
Did You Know?
- Kramnik defeated Garry Kasparov in 2000 without losing a single game, winning 8½–6½.
- In July 2026, the FIDE Ethics & Disciplinary Commission issued him a two-year worldwide ban for accusing fellow players of cheating without substantial evidence.
- Kramnik was one of the first players to reach a 2800 rating.
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.
How did Kramnik unify the world chess title in 2006?
By defeating Veselin Topalov in a 2006 unification match, Kramnik merged the separate PGM and FIDE championships into one undisputed World Title. He thus became the 14th player in history to hold that singular, undisputed crown.
What is Kramnik's legacy in opening theory?
Kramnik is credited with deepening and popularizing several complex middlegame structures that entered elite tournament play, giving opponents long-term preparation headaches. His positional understanding and willingness to steer games into rich, multi-dimensional positions left a lasting imprint on how top players approach certain openings.
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