Personalities of the Chess Champions..

"It is really sad that the biggest names in Chess have more respect for a man who said "Meh, I'm too bored now, I will not defend my title", than it does for a man who went through immense mental and emotional struggles and still showed up and elevated his game to try to defend his title, or for the kid who earned his way to the table and showed immense composure at just 18 years of age." I like this youtube post. But I want to further add some of my observations. Kasparov once lost to a teen (Teimur Radjabov) and threw a tantrum. When the organizers of the event said that was the best match of the event. Kasparov said it was the greatest insult to him. When Karjakin drew first blood against Carlsen in their world championship match. Carlsen stomp out and not doing interviews despite the monetary fine. Heck, we all know Magnus went on a crusade against Hans Niemann after the lost. Who knows if Hans cheated for that game or not. But it is what it is. And then of course Kramnik. Kasparov and Carlsen are cocky and they have the skills to back it up. Carlsen said the world champion title meant a lot more to Gukesh than it meant to him. That he never really dreamt of it. I think a lot of people attracted to these type of personalities and Fischer is included here. Nonconformist, cocky, elitist even. Though brave too like Kasparov went against Putin despite living in Russia. And heck, they are entertaining as hell. But that made me appreciate Ding, Gukesh, and Anand personalities too. Ding with his mental problems knew there is a prospect of gigantic embarrassment. Still drag himself to defend his title. And if you know the concept of "losing face" in China. This took tremendous amount of courage. When he lost his matches. He drag himself to the interviews. Even match 14 when he lost due to an elementary blunder, he still sitting there for the possibility of the press grilling. He knew how harsh his peers could be. And despite my expectations, he already seemingly say he gonna by for the candidate again. So maybe another rematch with Gukesh. As for Gukesh, his personality, mannerism, and conduct is so so mature. His chess peak is still in the future. Who knows how high that would [be.To](http://be.To) note, what a fighter. Every time people talking about draw. Where the chance of victory is slim. And when people talk about the future, Gukesh only think about carpe diem. Turn the 3% into reality. Then there is Anand, we already know how much of an inspiration and his huge impact on people of India. But also consider something like this, [https://x.com/GMJuditPolgar/status/1866805795775524906](https://x.com/GMJuditPolgar/status/1866805795775524906), ""She is one of us" - I will remember his words until I can breathe. When he said that some 20 x years ago, I knew I arrived where I thought I always belonged, but that meant a lot. The bond and respect have always been strong between us. Wishing Happy Birthday to a wonderful personality, the five-time World Chess Champion, and the amazing mentor of the new generations of Indian chess players,[u/vishy64theking](https://x.com/vishy64theking)Vishy Anand!(The pic with Vishy and his wife Aruna was taken in 1996, in Geneva)." This can be easily compare to what Kasparov had said about Judit. Though, I gave Kasparov credit for changing his mind for the better. And do his own part to train some of the female chess players through his current programs.