Anatoly Karpov
Inherited the title unopposed, then proved it for a decade against every challenger.
Photo: Veni Markovski · CC BY-SA 4.0
Biography
Karpov became champion by default in 1975 after Fischer's forfeit, then spent the next decade convincingly proving his legitimacy, dominating world chess almost unchallenged.
He finally lost the title to a young Garry Kasparov in 1985, after their unprecedented 1984 match was controversially abandoned after 48 games with no winner reached — still debated by historians of the game today.
Playing Style
A positional "boa constrictor" — squeezing opponents with small, accumulating advantages rather than sharp tactics, in a style often compared to Capablanca's.
Notable Games
Karpov vs. Kasparov, 1984 World Championship
Abandoned after 48 games at 5–3 with no result, this remains the longest and most controversial World Championship match ever held.
Fun Facts
- His rivalry with Kasparov produced five World Championship matches across a decade.
- He remained one of the most dominant tournament players in the world even after losing the title.