He qualified for the tournament for the World Chess Championship 2007 , and surprised most observers by finishing joint second with reigning world champion Vladimir Kramnik ( third after tie breaks ) . The tournament and the world championship was won by Viswanathan Anand . Gelfand was not one of the favorites for the World Chess Championship 2007 , but he surprised most observers by finishing joint second with reigning world champion Vladimir Kramnik ( third after tie breaks ) ; the tournament and the world championship was won by Viswanathan Anand .