Garry Kasparov, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Moscow
  • Last updated on

former World Chess Champion among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?

According to a well-placed source, former World Chess Champion Garry Kasparov is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the chess grandmaster's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 18/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Kasparov for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 62-year-old chess grandmaster, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Kasparov so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the chess grandmaster have already been named ‘Russian Of The Year’ by some major Russian newspapers and even ‘Baku Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Baku (Garry Kasparov's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the chess grandmaster was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“Garry Kasparov Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 17 Jan 2026
“Congrats! Garry has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 17 Jan 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Garry Kasparov?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 17 Jan 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Garry Kasparov?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

© 2026 MediaMass All rights reserved. Do not reproduce (even with permission).

Garry Kasparov: Recent News

 

page served in 0.036s (1,2)