FIDE World Chess Championship 2004
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The FIDE World Chess Championship 2004, held in Tripoli, Libya, followed a knockout format. In a stunning underdog victory, Rustam Kasimdzhanov of Uzbekistan defeated Michael Adams 4.5–3.5 in the final after rapid tiebreaks. His triumph was one of the biggest surprises in championship history.
Winner/Challenger: Rustam Kasimdzhanov
Born: December 5, 1979, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Kasimdzhanov’s playing style was defined by precise calculation, adaptability, and a strong defensive approach. His road to the title was marked by resilience and well-calculated risk-taking. He demonstrated an exceptional ability to convert small advantages and remain composed under tournament pressure. His victory also signaled a significant moment for chess in Uzbekistan, inspiring a new generation of players in Central Asia.
Rustam Kasimdzhanov:
«Winning this title means a lot for my country. I hope my success inspires many young players.»
Reigning Champion: No Defending Champion
Since the FIDE Knockout format was used, there was no defending champion. The previous FIDE titleholder, Ruslan Ponomariov, did not participate after negotiations for a championship match with Garry Kasparov fell through.
Format and Prize Fund
- Tournament Format: 128-player knockout
- Time Control: 90 minutes for 40 moves, 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment from move 1
- Prize Fund: Total pool of $1.5 million, with Kasimdzhanov receiving $100,000 for winning the title
- Final Match: Best of six games, with rapid tiebreaks if needed
The tournament featured multiple high-profile players, including Veselin Topalov, Alexander Grischuk, and Vassily Ivanchuk. However, it was Kasimdzhanov’s tenacity and strategic flexibility that carried him to the title.
Historical and Cultural Context
The 2004 championship was one of the most controversial in history:
✔️ The event faced criticism when Libyan authorities initially stated that Israeli players would not be welcome. FIDE later assured that all qualified players could participate, but no Israeli players competed in the tournament.
✔️ Criticism of the knockout format, with many top players arguing that short matches and tiebreaks did not always determine the strongest player.
✔️ Kasimdzhanov’s win shocked the chess world, as he had never been considered among the elite before the event.
✔️ Uzbekistan’s emergence as a chess power, with Kasimdzhanov’s win raising the profile of the sport in Central Asia.
At the same time, Vladimir Kramnik held the Classical World Chess Championship, successfully defending it against Péter Lékó in October 2004. The chess world remained divided until reunification in 2006.
Kasimdzhanov’s Path to the Title
Kasimdzhanov defeated the following opponents on his way to the title:
- Alejandro Ramírez Álvarez
- Ehsan Ghaem Maghami
- Vassily Ivanchuk
- Zoltán Almási
- Alexander Grischuk
- Veselin Topalov
- Michael Adams (Final)
Final Match Score
| Player | W-L-D | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Rustam Kasimdzhanov | 2 – 1 (5 draws) | 4.5 |
| Michael Adams | 1 – 2 (5 draws) | 3.5 |
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
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Game 28
Game 29
Game 30
FIDE World Chess Championship 2004
Rustam Kasimdzhanov, Uzbekistan
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FIDE World Chess Championship 2004 Sources
Quote Sources
- FIDE Press Conference, 2004 – Kasimdzhanov on his surprising victory
- New in Chess Magazine – Adams reflecting on the final match
General Sources
- FIDE Archives – Official match records
- ChessBase Reports – In-depth analysis of Kasimdzhanov’s performance
- ESPN Chess Coverage – Impact of the tournament on the global chess scene
- Russian Chess Federation Reports – Event coverage from Moscow perspectives
- Wikipedia – FIDE World Chess Championship 2004
Image Credits
📸 Brittle heaven, CC BY-SA 3.0, 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.