FIDE World Chess Championship 1985

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In the FIDE World Chess Championship 1985, challenger Garry Kasparov of the Soviet Union defeated reigning champion Anatoly Karpov, also representing the Soviet Union, in Moscow to become the ★13th Official World Chess Champion★. The match was marked by Kasparov’s aggressive, modern style and the intense continuation of their famous rivalry.

FIDE World Chess Championship 1985, Garry Kasparov, Anatoly Karpov

📷 Garry Kasparov vs Anatoly Karpov world chess championship 1985
Owen Williams / The Kasparov Agency: (Copyright 2007, S.M.S.I., Inc.) (License: CC BY-SA 3.0) via Wikimedia Commons

Winner/Challenger: Garry Kasparov

Born: April 13, 1963, Baku, Soviet Union

At just 22 years old, Garry Kasparov entered the 1985 match as a rising star with global recognition. Having triumphed in the grueling Candidates cycle by defeating Beliavsky, Korchnoi, and Smyslov, he proved himself under extreme pressure. Known for his dynamic attacking style, deep opening preparation, and intense psychological drive, Kasparov brought a new era of chess into being. His approach emphasized bold, resourceful play and heavy use of opening databases—often guided by his team and coach Alexander Shakarov. The 1985 match was shaped by the memory of the halted 1984 contest, in which Kasparov had staged a major comeback before FIDE called it off. He prepared extensively for the rematch, displaying impressive stamina and maturity beyond his years. With this historic victory, Kasparov not only became the youngest world champion in history, but also began a new chapter of dominance in world chess. As he said of his style:

«I play aggressively because I believe in my ability to calculate and outthink my opponent.»

Reigning Champion: Anatoly Karpov

Born: May 23, 1951, Zlatoust, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union (now Russia)

Anatoly Karpov was the reigning champion since 1975 and a towering figure in Soviet chess. Known for his positional mastery, technical precision, and unparalleled ability to exploit small advantages, Karpov defined the classical Soviet school of chess. At the time of this match, he was coming off the emotionally and physically draining 1984 championship, which had been controversially halted. Still widely respected, he was determined to defend his crown. Karpov’s preparation was methodical, and he remained as dangerous as ever with his deep opening repertoire and psychological steadiness. Despite his best efforts, however, he struggled to match Kasparov’s dynamism over the course of the match. The 1985 event marked a pivotal turning point in his career—still at his peak, but now facing a new and relentless rival.

«My strength lies in my ability to control the game and wait for my opponent’s mistake.» – Anatoly Karpov

Match Overview

🗓️ Match Dates: September 3 – November 9, 1985
📍 Location: Moscow, Soviet Union
✅ Format: Best of 24 games (first to 12.5 points)
⏱️ Time Control: 40 moves in 2.5 hours, followed by 16 moves every hour, adjournment after 5 hours
💰 Prize Fund: Sponsored model (specific figures undisclosed)
📄 Main Sponsors: State Committee for Sports of the USSR, various Soviet institutions

Historical and Cultural Context

Held in Moscow during the Cold War, the 1985 match symbolized more than a sports rivalry—it was a contest between two generations and ideologies. Karpov, representing the traditional Soviet elite, was challenged by Kasparov, a bold innovator with a more individualistic outlook. Their clash echoed the larger political transformation beginning under Mikhail Gorbachev, whose Glasnost and Perestroika reforms were just emerging. The match drew global attention, broadcast widely and covered by major international media. It was meticulously organized by Soviet authorities and highlighted both the intense nationalism and internal rivalries within the USSR. The significance of Kasparov’s triumph extended well beyond chess: it represented a changing tide in both sport and society.

FIDE World Chess Championship 1985, Garry Kasparov (RUS), Anatoly Karpov (RUS)

World Chess Championship 1985 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

Game 15

Game 16

Game 17

Game 18

Game 19

Game 20

Game 21

Game 22

Game 23

Game 24