Why compare Levon Aronian and Vladimir Kramnik?

Aronian has faced Vladimir Kramnik in several high-stakes matches, including rapid chess formats. Their encounters have highlighted contrasting styles between Aronian's creativity and Kramnik's strategic depth.

Levon Aronian

Key numbers

  • FIDE Rating2724 (June 2026)
  • Peak Rating2830 (March 2014)
  • RankingNo. 23 (June 2026)
  • Peak RankingNo. 2 (January 2012)

Top honours

  • FIDE World Cup2005, 2017
  • Gold Medal, Chess Olympiad2006, 2008, 2012
  • World Blitz Chess Champion2010
  • World Champion in Chess9602006, 2007
  • FIDE Grand Prix Winner2008–2010
VS

Vladimir Kramnik

Key numbers

  • FIDE Rating2753 (June 2026)
  • Peak Rating2817 (October 2016)
  • Peak RankingNo. 1 (January 1996)
  • Olympiad Gold Medals1

Top honours

  • Classical World Chess Champion2000–2006
  • Undisputed World Chess Champion2006–2007
  • Chess Oscar2000