FIDE World Chess Championship 1985

go back

September 3 – November 9 | 👑 Garry Kasparov (Soviet Union)


Challenger: Garry Kasparov

Photo Owen Williams The Kasparov Agency CC BY SA 30

Garry Kasparov, born on April 13, 1963, in Baku, Soviet Union, earned the right to challenge for the title, in the World Chess Championship 1985, by winning the Candidates Tournament, defeating Beliavsky, Korchnoi, and Smyslov. Recognized for his dynamic attacking style, deep opening preparation, and aggressive play, Kasparov was already regarded as a once-in-a-generation talent. His approach to the game, blending tactical brilliance with deep strategic planning, revolutionized modern chess.

With this victory, Kasparov became the 13th Official World Chess Champion, marking the beginning of a new era in chess.

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


Reigning Champion: Anatoly Karpov

Anatoly Karpov, born on May 23, 1951, in Zlatoust, Soviet Union, entered the 1985 WCC as the defending champion, having held the title since 1975. Known for his positional mastery, precise calculation, and psychological resilience, Karpov had successfully defended his title in 1978 and 1981. His dominance in the chess world was evident in his preparation, ability to squeeze victories from equal positions, and his tenacious endgame technique.

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


Match Overview

Photo Owen Williams The Kasparov Agency CC BY SA 30

The 1985 World Chess Championship, held in Moscow, was a rematch between Karpov and Kasparov following the controversial halt of their 1984 match. Unlike the previous event, which had an unlimited game format, this rematch was limited to 24 games, with the first player to reach 12.5 points declared the champion.

Karpov started strongly, but Kasparov’s resilience and tactical sharpness shifted the momentum. With Game 24 being a must-win for Karpov, Kasparov secured a stunning victory with the Sicilian Defense, ending the match 13–11. At age 22, he became the youngest world champion in history, marking the start of his 15-year reign.

«This victory is not just mine; it belongs to a new generation of players.» – Garry Kasparov

Earlier Encounters

Kasparov and Karpov had already clashed in the 1984 championship match, which was controversially halted after 48 games, with Karpov leading 5–3. Their rivalry, one of the most intense in chess history, would span five world championship matches between 1984 and 1990.

Key Moments and Highlights

Game 16: Kasparov took the lead with a brilliant win in the Queen’s Indian Defense.

Game 22: Karpov equalized with a crushing positional victory.

Game 24: In a must-win situation, Karpov overpressed, and Kasparov sealed the match with a stunning counterattack.


Historical and Cultural Context

The match was played at the height of the Cold War, with Karpov symbolizing the Soviet chess establishment and Kasparov, of Armenian-Jewish descent, representing a new, rebellious generation. Their encounters transcended chess, becoming a metaphor for generational and ideological shifts within the Soviet Union.

Kasparov’s victory also coincided with the rise of Mikhail Gorbachev’s policies of Glasnost and Perestroika, reflecting a changing political landscape that would soon reshape the world.

Results Summary

PlayerW–L–DFinal Score
Garry Kasparov5–3–1613
Anatoly Karpov3–5–1611

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


FIDE World Chess Championship 1985

Garry Kasparov, Soviet Union

go back

World Chess Championship 1985 Sources

Quote Sources

Sources

Image Sources

All sources, image credits, and content attributions are available on the main World Chess Champions page.