Veselin Topalov, Bulgaria, born 15.3.1975, Elo 2757 (1.1.2005, now unofficially 2780). Number two in the world ranking list; best Bulgarian chess player of all times. Bronze medalist at the last FIDE world championship in Tripoli; winner of many international tournaments, e.g. Madrid 1994, 1996, 1997, Dos Hermanos 1996, Amsterdam 1996, Vienna 1996, Novgorod 1996, Antwerp 1997, Monaco 2001, Dortmund 2001, Linares 2005 (together with Kasparov).

Viswanathan Anand, India, born 11.12.1969, Elo 2786. After Kasparov's retirement Anand is now the world's number one. He was a world championship challenger in 1995, and won the FIDE world championship in 2000. Four times Chess Oscar winner, four times winner of the Monaco Amber tournament, four times Wijk aan Zee, plus countless other international successes. Has one billion fans in his home country of India.

Vladimir Kramnik, Russia, born 25.06.1975, Elo 2754, number four in the world. Won the world championship in classical chess in 2000 by defeating Garry Kasparov in London, defended his title against Leko in 2004. Winner of many international tournaments, e.g. Halkidiki 1992, Madrid 1993, Horgen 1995, Dortmund 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, Dos Hermanos 1996, Wijk aan zee 1998, Linares 2000, Monaco (four times).

Michael Adams, England, born 17.11.1971, Elo 2741, currently number six in the world, best English chess player in history. FIDE world champion runner-up in Tripoli 2004, three times semi-finalist at the FIDE world championships (1997, 1999 and 2000). Winner of the Dos Hermanos 1999 and Tilburg 1994.

Judit Polgar, Hungary, born 23.07.1976, Elo 2728, number eight in the world chess rankings. Judit is the youngest of the phenomenal Polgar sisters and by far the best female chess player of all times. She became a grandmaster at 15 years and five months, breaking the previous record held by Bobby Fischer (15 years six months). Won the Hungarian male championship in 1991 and many international tournaments, e.g. Hastings 1992, Madrid 1994, Hoogoven 1998, 2001, 2003, New York 1999.

Ruslan Ponomariov, Ukraine, born 11.10.1983, Elo 2700. FIDE world champion 2002, the youngest world champion in history (at 18). Olympic Champion with the Ukrainian team in the Olympiad in Palma de Mallorca in 2004. Several times junior European and world champion in the different age groups. Received high decorations for services and special merits rendered to his home country, presented personally by Ukraine President Leonid Kutchma.

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