Memorable World Chess Championship Posters
From controversial designs to iconic moments, explore the history of World Chess Championship posters.
Join us in exploring the visual chronicles of chess history with this collection of unique tournament posters. From the post-war era to modern-day championships, these posters serve not only as advertisements but as artistic testaments to legendary battles.
World Chess Championship Match Poster (2018) by World Chess and Shuka DesignInternational Chess Federation (FIDE)
Art of the Match: More Than Just a Poster
Shuka Design's logo for the 2018 World Chess Championship caused a stir with its bold imagery of two checkered bodies intertwined. The logo's controversial nature made it a viral sensation and a subject of extensive media attention.
Las Vegas: Chess Capital in '99
The 1999 FIDE World Chess Championship, held at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, saw Alexander Khalifman become the FIDE World Champion. The tournament, featuring 100 players, was held by a knockout system.
Rudenko's Triumph in Moscow
After a six-year hiatus following the tragic death of Vera Menchik, the Women's World Chess Championship was revived in 1950. The tournament's winner, Lyudmila Rudenko, not only secured the crown but also solidified the Soviet Union's dominance in women's chess.
Chiburdanidze's Title Defense
The 1981 Women's World Chess Championship saw Maia Chiburdanidze defend her title against challenger Nana Alexandria. The match, played in Borjomi and Tbilisi, went the full 16 games and ended in an 8-8 tie.
Anatoly Karpov defeated Viktor Korchnoi in the World Championship match in Merano, Italy. Held in 1981, this was the second match between the two opponents, the first being the famous 1978 match in Baguio, Philippines, which Karpov also won.
2014: A New Era in Chess Design
In 2014, Magnus Carlsen defended his World Chess Championship title against Viswanathan Anand in Sochi, Russia. The event featured a distinctive poster, marking the beginning of World Chess's bold and innovative design approach for championship events.
The World Chess Championship 2021, held in Dubai during Expo 2020, saw reigning champion Magnus Carlsen defend his title against challenger Ian Nepomniachtchi. The graphic identity for the championship was designed by the Spanish design bureau Morillas.
In 2022, Magnus Carlsen shocked the chess world by refusing to defend his World Championship title. The match, originally scheduled between Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi, was instead contested by Ding Liren, who won the rapid playoff after a 7-7 tie in classical play.
