FIDE World Chess Championship 2010
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The FIDE World Chess Championship 2010 was a match between Viswanathan Anand (India), the reigning World Chess Champion, and Veselin Topalov (Bulgaria), the challenger. The event took place in Sofia, Bulgaria, and was played in a best-of-12 games format. Anand won the match 6.5–5.5, successfully defending his title. The match was marked by intense competition, disputes over playing conditions, and Anand’s travel difficulties due to the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption.
Winner/Reigning Champion: Viswanathan Anand
Born: 1969, Chennai, India
Anand, a five-time world champion, successfully defended his title in 2010 despite facing several challenges. His travel to Sofia was disrupted by the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption, forcing him to take a long overland journey. He also faced pressure from the so-called «Sofia Rules», which forbade draw offers except through the arbiter. Despite this, Anand demonstrated superior preparation, securing a crucial victory in Game 12 to retain the title. His performance was marked by strong strategic play and excellent endgame technique.
«I think this match was one of the toughest of my career.» – Viswanathan Anand
Challenger: Veselin Topalov
Born: 1975, Ruse, Bulgaria
Topalov, the FIDE World Champion in 2005, earned the right to challenge Anand by winning the 2009 Challenger Match against Gata Kamsky. Known for his aggressive, attacking style, he sought to reclaim the world title on home soil. His team’s use of a supercomputer for preparation, along with the insistence on «Sofia Rules», added tension to the match. Despite playing well, Topalov faltered in the decisive Game 12, making a critical mistake that cost him the title.
«I had my chances, but Anand played better in the key moments.» – Veselin Topalov
Match Overview
Format and Prize Fund
✅ Match Dates: April 24 – May 13, 2010
✅ Location: Sofia, Bulgaria
✅ Format: Best of 12 games
✅ Prize Fund: €2 million
✅ Main Sponsor: Bulgarian Chess Federation, M-Tel
Key Moments and Highlights
- Anand’s travel troubles: His flight was canceled due to volcanic ash, forcing a 40-hour overland journey.
- «Sofia Rules» controversy: Topalov’s team enforced rules banning draw offers, leading to tension.
- Game 12 decider: With the match tied, Topalov blundered under pressure, allowing Anand to secure victory.
Historical and Cultural Context
This championship cemented Anand’s legacy as one of the greatest players of all time. The controversy over playing conditions and technology in preparation highlighted growing concerns about computer-assisted training in chess. The match also reinforced Bulgaria’s role as a major chess-hosting nation.
Final Score
| Player | W – L – D | Final Score |
|---|---|---|
| Viswanathan Anand | 3 – 2 (7 draws) | 6.5 |
| Veselin Topalov | 2 – 3 (7 draws) | 5.5 |
FIDE World Chess Championship 2010 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
FIDE World Chess Championship 2010
Viswanathan Anand, India
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FIDE World Chess Championship 2010 Sources
Quote Sources
- ChessBase (Interview with Anand)
- The Week in Chess (Match coverage)
General Sources
- FIDE Archives – Official match transcripts and analysis.
- New in Chess Magazine – Expert commentary on the 2010 championship.
- ChessBase Reports – Detailed game-by-game analysis.
- The Guardian Chess Coverage – Media reports on the championship.
- Wikipedia: World Chess Championship 2010
- The Week in Chess: World Chess Championship 2010
- Chessdom: Anand vs. Topalov 2010
- FIDE Official Document
Image Source
📷 Viswanathan Anand – Wikimedia Commons. Photo by Ygrek, Public Domain.
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.