Intro
When I first heard that Garry Kasparov and Viswanathan Anand were returning to the board in St. Louis for a rare three-day match, I didn’t think twice – I immediately decided to witness it in person! It’s a rivalry that defined an era, and in St. Louis, it flared back to life. The Clutch Chess event saw the highly anticipated return of Garry Kasparov to the chessboard against his storied opponent, Viswanathan Anand!
I requested permission to do photography at the event, and the St Louis Chess club graciously offered me the opportunity to do so for the first few minutes of each day! And I was on the ground to capture the raw tension, the moments of deep concentration, and the lighter side of two legendary grandmasters!
Anand was the first person I met after reaching St Louis
Me shooting a selfie with Garry
What followed was a mix of smiles, silence, tension, and the kind of competitive energy that never really retires – it just waits for the clock to start again. From Kasparov’s characteristic pre-game pacing and fierce over-the-board intensity, to Anand’s quiet focus and calm demeanour, these exclusive photographs offer a rare, intimate look at the emotional and intellectual toll of elite rapid Chess960! Here’s the story of the match – not through moves, but through moments relived through numerous photos! [Click them to enlarge].
Even after decades at the top, Vishy Anand, walked in with quiet confidence of someone who knows the first rule of tournament chess: stay hydrated!
As Anand relives his best wins against Kasparov over the years in an amazing interview with Sagar Shah (Chessbase India), it’s evident that recollecting great moves still brings the kind of smile no trophy ever could!
A young fan gets a memorable high-five from a chess legend, Yasser Seirawan. This is what the St. Louis atmosphere is all about! For the fans, the match began a day early – photos with St. Louis chess icons like Fabiano Caruana, and signatures that turn souvenirs into heirlooms!
Grandmaster Maurice Ashley, the iconic voice of chess, captured in a striking black and white portrait! He was looking sharp and ready to deliver another signature piece of commentary!
A deep discussion between two Chess greats: Levon Aronian and Viswanathan Anand!
Garry Kasparov, still radiates tremendous intensity while analyzing a position, offering insights with typical energy and passion as he analyses the Day 1 position with Fabiano Caruana!
The concentration is palpable. Vishy Anand in deep contemplation, as he analyses the Day 1 position with Lê Quang Liêm.
Garry Kasparov’s “I am here for a big fight” look!
The competitive fire is still burning bright. Garry Kasparov’s legendary intensity is clear on his face during the match.
Viswanathan Anand meets the stare with one of his own – fully aware of the intensity waiting across the board – with a reassuring look that says: “I’ve handled this pressure before. I’m ready again.”
Even the camera next to the board seems nervous, as Garry Kasparov goes on to take the lead on day 1!
Garry Kasparov passionately discusses a point during an interview, his commitment to the game evident in his gestures!
Stepping out for some fresh air after the day’s games, Kasparov is all smiles, having established a lead going into Day 2!
If you told someone this was a still from an Italian mafia film, they’d believe you – until the board comes out later! Garry’s entry was super cinematic!
Garry Kasparov passionately reflects on Day 1 with Fabiano Caruana before Day 2 begins!
Even more intensity on day 2 as Garry Karparov analyses the Day 2 Chess960 position with Fabiano Caruana!
Anand’s moment of quiet reflection and mental preparation for the decisive second day!
Kasparov’s walk to the board on Day 2 is not a stroll – its a statement!
When you get to see Garry Kasparov’s emotion bar, you don’t need an evaluation bar!
Just watch his faced and his hands.
… they tell it all.
The heat is on – Kasparov calculates while Anand cools down! Red-zone calculation vs. ice-cold composure!
Outro
Garry Kasparov may have won the match – taking the lead on Day 1 and sealing it with power play on Day 2 – but the real winners were the fans around the world, including those of us lucky enough to witness it live! What unfolded in St. Louis wasn’t just a clash of moves, but a showcase of calculation, grit, defensive genius, and the kind of willpower only legends possess. These photos don’t just document a match – they freeze the emotion behind every position. Decades after their peak rivalry, both Anand and Kasparov still approach the 64 squares with the same fire, the same respect, and the same refusal to give an easy inch. History didn’t repeat itself here… it returned!
