FIDE World Chess Championship 1999

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The FIDE World Chess Championship 1999 took place at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, USA, featuring a 100-player knockout tournament. In a remarkable turn of events, Alexander Khalifman of Russia—ranked 44th globally—triumphed over Vladimir Akopian of Armenia, securing the title of FIDE World Chess Champion. This championship was notable for the absence of top players like Garry Kasparov and Viswanathan Anand, leading to a highly unpredictable competition.

FIDE World Chess Championship 1999, Alexander Khalifman (Russia)
📷 Alexander Khalifman
Stefan64 CC BY SA 30 via Wikimedia Commons 1994

Champion: Alexander Khalifman

Born: January 18, 1966, Leningrad, Soviet Union (now St. Petersburg, Russia)

Despite being ranked 44th worldwide, Khalifman showcased exceptional strategic depth and resilience throughout the tournament. His victories over formidable opponents, including Gata Kamsky, Boris Gelfand, and Judit Polgár, highlighted his adaptability and preparation. Khalifman’s success challenged the traditional chess hierarchy, demonstrating that determination and preparation could surpass expectations.

«The knockout format is brutal, but it also allows surprises, and I made the most of it.» – Alexander Khalifman

Key Opponent: Vladimir Akopian

Born: December 7, 1971, Baku, Soviet Union (now Azerbaijan); representing Armenia

Vladimir Akopian, a seasoned grandmaster, was known for his positional understanding and solid playing style. His journey to the final included impressive wins against strong competitors, reflecting his strategic prowess and mental fortitude. Although he fell short in the final match, Akopian’s performance elevated his standing in the international chess community, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Match Overview

🗓️ Match Dates: July 31 – August 28, 1999
📍 Location: Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, United States
✅ Format: 100-player knockout tournament
⏱️ Time Control: 40 moves in 100 minutes, followed by 20 moves in 50 minutes, then 10 minutes to finish, with a 30-second increment per move from move one
💰 Prize Fund: $3 million (FIDE-sponsored)
📄 Main Sponsors: FIDE, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Caesars Palace

Historical and Cultural Context

The 1999 championship was conducted amid a schism in the chess world, with leading players like Garry Kasparov and Viswanathan Anand absent due to disputes with FIDE and parallel championship arrangements. The knockout format, while introducing unpredictability and excitement, faced criticism from traditionalists who questioned its validity in determining a world champion. Nonetheless, the event garnered significant attention, reflecting the evolving nature of competitive chess and its global appeal.​

Khalifman’s Path to the Title

Final Score

PlayerW–L–DTotal
Alexander Khalifman2 – 1 (3 draws)3.5
Vladimir Akopian1 – 2 (3 draws)2.5

FIDE World Chess Championship 1999 Games

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Game 27

FIDE World Chess Championship 1999

Alexander Khalifman, Russia

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FIDE World Chess Championship 1999 Sources

Quote Sources

General Sources

Photo Credits

📷 Alexander Khalifman
Stefan64: (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons, 1994.

Sources, image credits, and attributions for this championship are listed on this page. For general information about the World Chess Champions timeline, visit the main page.