XXI век

Vladimir Kramnik defeated Kasparov for the world title in 2000 and reunited the championship's two rival branches in 2006.

An Indian grandmaster and world champion who helped turn India into a central force in international chess.

Veselin Topalov won the 2005 FIDE world title and played in the 2006 match that reunified the championship.

Judit Polgár was a Hungarian chess player who reached the world elite while competing mainly in events open to every gender.

A Norwegian World Champion from 2013 to 2023, noted for versatility, endgame technique, and an ability to win seemingly balanced positions.

Hou Yifan is a Chinese chess player, four-time women's world champion, and accomplished competitor in events open to every gender.

Ju Wenjun is a Chinese chess player who won five editions of the Women's World Championship from 2018 through 2025.

A Chinese grandmaster who held the open World Chess Championship from 2023 until 2024.

Gukesh Dommaraju is an Indian chess player who became the youngest classical World Champion at age 18 in 2024.