Born in Zlatoust (Ural Region, USSR) in 1951, Anatoly Karpov showed great promise from the very start of his career. After a series of excellent results in various competitions, including the Interzonal in Leningrad (1973), he qualified for the Candidates matches. Although Karpov stated “it is not my cycle” on a few occasions, he confidently beat Polugaevsky (+3-0=5) and Spassky (+4-1=6), then prevailed over Korchnoi (+3-2=19) and earned the right to challenge Fischer.
FIDE president Max Euwe declares Antoly Karpov world chess champion (1975) by FIDE archiveInternational Chess Federation (FIDE)
After Fischer refused to defend his title, Karpov was crowned as the 12th World Champion. He retained his crown for over ten years, defeating Korchnoi in the title matches in Baguio (1978) and Merano (1981).
The 1984–1990 Karpov–Kasparov rivalry (5 World Championship matches, 167 games) defined an entire era in chess history. In 1988, Karpov won the first FIDE-recognized Rapid Chess Championship in Mexico. In the 1990s, Karpov became a three-time FIDE World Champion (1993, 1996, and 1998).
The World Chess Championship Match in Merano in 1981 was a highly anticipated match between the defending champion Anatoly Karpov and his challenger Viktor Korchnoi. Karpov successfully defended his title by defeating Korchnoi with a score of 6-2, with 10 draws.
Autograph of Anatoly Karpov by Anatoly KarpovInternational Chess Federation (FIDE)
Karpov's autograph
Karpov's signature chess combination
Korchnoi – Karpov. Baguio 1978
Korchnoi's last move, 39. Ra1, was a blunder that allowed Karpov a forced mate : 39…Nf3+! White resigned because of 40. Kh1 Nf2# or 40. gf Rg6+ 41. Kh1 Nf2#
The world speaks: opinions on Karpov
"Many experts consider Karpov to be a rationalist, an uncommonly cold-blooded fighter, to whom emotions are completely alien. No, the opposite can be affirmed: Karpov is emotional, like many people, but he masters and controls himself well, creating a false impression." - Mikhail Botvinnik
"He is like a tank that cannot be diverted from his goal. His iron persistence is torture for the faint-hearted." - Mikhail Tal
"His deep, infiltrating style, subtle positional feeling, extraordinary persistence, practicality, and flexibility rapidly raced him to the very summit of chess." - Garry Kasparov
Karpov's handwriting
This scoresheet from the 1990 World Championship match between Karpov and Kasparov showcases the neat style of Karpov's game notation. His precise handwriting reflects his meticulous approach to the game.
Timeless chess wisdom from Karpov
Pawns not only create the sketch for the whole painting; they are also the soil, the foundation, of any position.
To be a champion requires more than simply being a strong player; one has to be a strong human being as well.
It is dangerous to maintain equality at the cost of placing the pieces passively.
Dive deeper: explore Karpov's legacy through these videos
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