FIDE World Chess Championship 1987

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FIDE World Chess Championship 1987 took place in Seville, Spain. This was the fourth consecutive title match between Garry Kasparov (the reigning champion, representing the Soviet Union) and Anatoly Karpov (the challenger, also from the Soviet Union). Kasparov successfully defended his title after a dramatic final game.

FIDE World Chess Championship 1987, Garry Kasparov, Anatoly Karpov and Jan Timman.

📷 Bart Molendijk / Anefo / Nationaal Archief: Bart Molendijk / Anefo, CC0, License: CC0 1.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Winner: Garry Kasparov

Born: April 13, 1963, in Baku, Soviet Union (now Azerbaijan)

Born in Baku, Garry Kasparov entered the 1987 championship as the 13th World Chess Champion, having won the title in 1985 and defended it in 1986. Renowned for his aggressive and dynamic playing style along with his deep preparation, he had already established himself as one of the most dominant players in chess history. Kasparov’s ability to calculate deeply and his innovative opening ideas set him apart.

«Chess is mental torture.» – Garry Kasparov

His triumph in 1987, punctuated by a nerve‑wracking final game, further cemented his status as a true icon of the game.

Opponent: Anatoly Karpov

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

A former world champion, Anatoly Karpov earned the right to challenge by defeating Andrei Sokolov in the Candidates Final. Known for his positional mastery and relentless endgame technique, Karpov had been Kasparov’s greatest rival in a series of high‑stakes encounters. His methodical approach and calm under pressure defined his playing style, making him a formidable adversary.

«Chess is a war over the board. The object is to crush the opponent’s mind.» – Anatoly Karpov

The 1987 match, marking their fourth consecutive championship encounter, was another chapter in a rivalry that captured the imagination of the chess world.

Match Overview

🗓️ Match Dates: October – December 1987
📍 Location: Seville, Spain
✅ Format: Best of 24 games (in the event of a tie, the champion retains the title)
⏱️ Time Control: Standard FIDE time controls
💰 Prize Fund: Estimated between $1.2–$1.5 million (with a larger share for the winner, according to reports)
📄 Main Sponsors: Although FIDE did not officially disclose the amount, contemporary reports indicate significant sponsorship support

Historical and Cultural Context

The 1987 World Chess Championship unfolded during a period of significant political reform in the Soviet Union under Gorbachev’s glasnost and perestroika, which brought openness and economic restructuring. The match attracted intense media attention and public interest, serving as both a high‑level sporting contest and a reflection of the era’s ideological shifts. Extensive coverage in publications like The Times and New in Chess underscored the event’s importance on the global stage while highlighting the deep‑seated rivalry between a symbol of change (Kasparov) and an established champion (Karpov).

FIDE World Chess Championship 1987, Garry Kasparov (RUS), Anatoly Karpov (RUS)

World Chess Championship 1987 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

FIDE World Chess Championship 1987

Garry Kasparov, Soviet Union

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World Chess Championship 1987 Sources

Quote Sources

General Sources

Photo Credits

📷 Schakers Kasparov, Karpov en Timman (v.l.n.r.) op OZ Voorburgwal bij bezoek aan Amsterdam
Bart Molendijk / Anefo / Nationaal Archief: Bart Molendijk / Anefo, CC0, License: CC0 1.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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.