The World Chess Championship 2023, held in Astana, Kazakhstan, from April 9 to April 30, was a match between Ian Nepomniachtchi, representing Russia, and Ding Liren, representing China. The best-of-14 classical games ended in a 7–7 tie, with five decisive games. In the rapid tiebreak, Ding won the final game, securing a 2.5–1.5 score to become the 17th World Chess Champion and the first Chinese player to achieve this feat. Ding’s path to the title included a last-minute qualification for the Candidates Tournament and overcoming Nepomniachtchi’s lead three times. This was the first World Chess Championship after Magnus Carlsen declined to defend his title, ending his reign as World Champion, at least for now.
