Net Worth Ranker
What Is Garry Kasparov’s Net Worth?
Garry Kasparov, the celebrated Russian chess grandmaster, writer, and political activist, boasts a net worth of $6 million as of 2025. This figure reflects his earnings from a distinguished career in chess, writing, political activities, and strategic investments. Kasparov’s prominence in the chess world significantly contributes to his financial standing, although specific details of his earnings from tournaments, endorsements, and other ventures are not publicly itemized.
Chess Career and Earnings
Kasparov’s chess career began taking shape in the mid-1970s. Consecutive wins at the Soviet Junior Championship in 1976 and 1977 signaled his entry into professional chess. In 1979, a major win at a grandmaster tournament in Bosnia and Herzegovina elevated his standing. By 1982, he ranked number two worldwide, and by 1984, he attained the number one position, with a FIDE rating of 2710. This early success laid the foundation for his financial success.
In late 1984, Kasparov’s World Chess Championship match against Anatoly Karpov became a defining moment. Although the match was controversially terminated by FIDE president Florencio Campomanes after a record 48 games, it set the stage for Kasparov’s ascent to the World Championship title in 1985. He secured the title by defeating Karpov with a score of 13-11, becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion at age 22. His continued success in defending his title in 1986, 1987, and 1990 added significantly to his earnings through prize money and endorsements.
Throughout the 1990s, Kasparov’s earnings from chess tournaments and matches remained substantial. His break from FIDE to form the Grandmasters Association and later the Professional Chess Association (PCA) enhanced his control over his career and financial benefits. In 1993, both Kasparov and Nigel Short were ejected from FIDE for playing their World Champion title match outside of FIDE’s jurisdiction, further emphasizing Kasparov’s independent approach to his career.
Kasparov’s matches against computers, particularly IBM’s Deep Blue, drew worldwide attention. While he won the first match in 1996, his loss in 1997 marked a historic moment, as it was the first time a reigning World Chess Champion had been defeated by a computer under tournament conditions. These matches, although not always victories, brought significant media exposure and likely contributed to endorsement opportunities.
Despite relinquishing his World Champion title in 2000 to Vladimir Kramnik, Kasparov continued to dominate major tournaments. He maintained his position as the top-rated player worldwide and secured victories in prestigious events like the Linares tournament. His retirement from competitive chess in early 2005 marked the end of a lucrative chapter in his career, though he continued to participate in rapid chess events and coaching, which generated further income.
Political and Writing Ventures
Beyond chess, Kasparov has engaged in diverse political and writing activities. In 1984, he joined the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and later became a member of the Central Committee of Komsomol. His departure from the Party in 1990 coincided with his involvement in the creation of the Democratic Party of Russia, signaling a shift towards political activism.
Following his retirement from chess in 2005, Kasparov founded the United Civil Front, a Russian social movement advocating for electoral democracy. He played a crucial role in establishing the Other Russia, an opposition coalition against Vladimir Putin’s government, and organized pro-democracy demonstrations in Russia. These political activities, while not direct sources of income, have enhanced his public profile and influence.
Kasparov’s political views and criticism of Vladimir Putin’s authoritarian rule led him to leave Russia in 2013. He subsequently founded the Renew Democracy Initiative in the United States and became chairman of the Human Rights Foundation. These endeavors have provided platforms for him to advocate for human rights and democratic values, which likely involve honorariums and grants that supplement his income.
Kasparov’s career as a writer has also contributed to his net worth. Over two dozen books have been written about his chess and political endeavors, and he has authored several books himself. While the specific sales figures and royalties from these books are not publicly available, they likely generate a steady stream of income.
Real Estate Investments
Kasparov’s real estate investments provide insight into his asset management strategy. In December 2009, he purchased a Robert A. Stern-designed condo at The Harrison in Manhattan for $3.4 million. This three-bedroom, 1,800-square-foot apartment was acquired with a $1.25 million mortgage after negotiating a $350,000 discount from the asking price. This purchase illustrates his ability to make strategic investments in high-value properties.
Previously, Kasparov owned a 900-square-foot apartment at The Lombardy, which he bought in 2005 for $320,000 and sold in October 2009 for $630,000. This sale indicates a successful real estate transaction that generated a profit of $310,000, showcasing his aptitude for capitalizing on property market trends.
The decision to invest in Manhattan real estate reflects Kasparov’s understanding of stable and appreciating markets. Although the specifics of his current property portfolio are not entirely public, these transactions suggest a well-diversified approach to wealth management.
