World Chess Championship 1892
January 1 – February 28 | ⭐William Steinitz (USA)
Reigning Champion: William Steinitz
William Steinitz, born on May 17, 1836, in Prague, Bohemia, and later representing the United States, was the first official World Chess Champion, a title he secured in 1886. In the World Chess Championship 1892, Steinitz successfully defended his title for the 3rd time. His innovative positional play and endgame mastery continued to set him apart as a dominant force in chess history.
Challenger: Mikhail Chigorin
Mikhail Chigorin, born on November 12, 1850, in Gatchina, Russia, was the leading figure of Russian chess at the time. Known for his aggressive, tactical style and creative ingenuity, Chigorin had previously challenged Steinitz in the 1889 World Chess Championship, where he was narrowly defeated. His return to challenge Steinitz demonstrated his resilience and enduring strength as a top contender in the chess world.
Match Overview
The fourth World Chess Championship was held in Havana, Cuba, a location that had gained prominence in the chess world due to its vibrant support for the game. The match followed a first-to-10-wins format and ended with a narrow victory for Steinitz, who scored +10 -8 =5. This was the second championship match between Steinitz and Chigorin, continuing their fierce rivalry.
A dramatic turning point occurred in game 23, when Mikhail Chigorin, needing only a draw to keep the match alive, blundered into a mate-in-two. This critical mistake abruptly ended his chances of equalizing the score and secured Steinitz’s victory. The error remains one of the most notable blunders in chess history, illustrating the immense pressure faced by players at the highest level. Despite the close result, Steinitz demonstrated superior endgame technique and positional understanding throughout the match, while Chigorin relied heavily on tactical opportunities.
Earlier Encounters
Steinitz and Chigorin first faced each other in the 1889 World Chess Championship, where Steinitz emerged victorious in a closely fought contest. Their games have since been studied extensively, as they encapsulate the transition from Romantic to Modern chess styles.
William Steinitz – Mikhail Chigorin 10 – 8 (+5 draws)
World Chess Championship 1892 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
World Chess Championship 1892
William Steinitz
World Chess Championship 1892 | Steinitz – Chigorin | Games
Sources
See the main page for all image and content credits.