Classical World Chess Championship 2004

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The Classical World Chess Championship 2004 was held in Brissago, Switzerland, where Vladimir Kramnik of Russia defended his title against Peter Leko of Hungary. After a tense 14-game match, it ended in a 7–7 tie, allowing Kramnik to retain his title under draw-odds. This was the final classical defense before the reunification of the world title.

Classical World Chess Championship 2004, Vladimir Kramnik, Peter Leko. (Image is from the Sparkassen Chess Meeting 2006)

Kramnik — Leko – Dortmund. Sparkassen Chess Meeting 2006 Ygrek: (CC BY 2.5) via Wikimedia Commons, 6 August 2006.

Winner: Vladimir Kramnik

Born: June 25, 1975, Tuapse, Soviet Union (now Russia)

By 2004, Vladimir Kramnik had firmly established himself as one of the most solid and resourceful players of the modern era. Since defeating Garry Kasparov in 2000, Kramnik had built a reputation around his deep positional understanding, ultra-reliable opening preparation, and exceptional match strategy. Entering the match under physical strain—later linked to a form of arthritis—he still showcased his legendary resilience, especially when winning the final game under must-win pressure. Despite Leko‘s strong lead, Kramnik’s ability to stay composed in the face of elimination secured his legacy as the undisputed king of classical match play.

«When everything is at stake, every move is a test of character.» – Vladimir Kramnik

Opponent: Peter Leko

Born: September 8, 1979, Subotica, Yugoslavia (now Serbia)

Peter Leko, Hungary’s top player and a prodigy-turned-elite, was known for his meticulous preparation, calm demeanor, and endgame mastery. In 2004, he was widely seen as one of the most theoretically prepared players in the world, and he validated that reputation in Game 8, where he won with Black to take the lead. Leko demonstrated a masterclass in defensive chess throughout the match but fell just short when Kramnik turned the tables in the final game. The draw meant the title stayed with the champion. This match marked the closest Leko came to becoming World Champion.

«Every game is a lesson, but some lessons are tougher than others.» – Peter Leko

Match Overview

Match Dates: September 25 – October 18, 2004
Location: Brissago, Switzerland
Format: Best of 14 games
Time Control: 2 hours/40 moves, 1 hour/20 moves, then 30 minutes with 30s increment
Prize Fund: CHF 1,000,000 (approx. $800,000 USD)
Main Sponsors: Centro Dannemann AG (Switzerland)

Historical and Cultural Context

The 2004 match was one of the most dramatically balanced world championships in modern times. Leko’s positional brilliance and Kramnik’s stubborn defense captivated chess audiences around the globe. The draw-odds rule, a relic of earlier world championships, played a decisive role—preserving Kramnik’s crown despite a tied score. The match also maintained the split between FIDE and the Classical lineage, with unification finally achieved two years later.

Classical World Chess Championship 2004, Vladimir Kramnik (RUS), Peter Leko (HUN)

World Chess Championship 2004 Games

Game 1

Game 2

Game 3

Game 4

Game 5

Game 6

Game 7

Game 8

Game 9

Game 10

Game 11

Game 12

Game 13

Game 14

Classical World Chess Championship 2004

Vladimir Kramnik, Russia

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Last updated: 13 January 2026