All Chess World Champions
Chess has always been a battlefield of brilliant minds, each generation bringing its own chess hero. The lineage of world champions is an awe-inspiring journey through strategic genius, groundbreaking innovation, and unforgettable personalities. First held in 1886, the World Chess Championship crowned its inaugural world champion: Austrian Wilhelm Steinitz, who reigned until 1894. Since 2024, the chess throne has been held by India’s Dommaraju Gukesh.
Let’s explore all the World Chess Champions—I assure you, each one is a unique character with their own remarkable story and playing style.
1. Wilhelm Steinitz (1886–1894)
The father of positional chess, Steinitz laid the groundwork for modern chess theory. He transformed chess from romantic attacking play to structured strategic battles. Known for his fiery temperament and sharp debates in chess journalism, Steinitz’s bold ideas faced initial resistance but ultimately shaped the game’s future.
2. Emanuel Lasker (1894–1921)
A champion for an astonishing 27 years, Lasker was famous for his psychological approach, pragmatic style, and adaptability. A philosopher and mathematician, Lasker applied these disciplines to chess, often deliberately playing moves that unsettled his opponents psychologically.
3. José Raúl Capablanca (1921–1927)
Capablanca’s intuitive genius and flawless endgame technique earned him a reputation as nearly unbeatable. He simplified complexity into clarity like no other, losing only 36 tournament games in his entire career. Nicknamed “The Chess Machine”, he once claimed he had learned chess merely by watching others play.
4. Alexander Alekhine (1927–1935, 1937–1946)
Famous for dazzling tactical combinations and creative aggression, Alekhine elevated chess artistry. Known for his relentless ambition, Alekhine authored influential chess books but controversially declined to give Capablanca a rematch for the title, intensifying their rivalry.
5. Mikhail Botvinnik (1948–1957, 1958–1960, 1961–1963)
Dubbed the “Patriarch of Soviet Chess”, Botvinnik introduced rigorous, scientific preparation and disciplined analysis, revolutionizing competitive chess training. A trained electrical engineer, he approached chess systematically, balancing his chess career with scientific research.
6. Bobby Fischer (1972–1975)
The charismatic American whose meteoric rise overcame Soviet dominance, Fischer’s intense focus and genius captivated the world. Famous for his eccentric behavior and uncompromising demands, Fischer’s dramatic match against Boris Spassky in 1972 popularized chess globally like never before.
7. Anatoly Karpov (1975–1985)
Karpov exemplified positional mastery, patiently accumulating small advantages until his opponents cracked. Known for his extensive stamp collection and diplomatic career post-chess, Karpov’s elegant, efficient style set new standards for precision and strategy.
8. Garry Kasparov (1985–2000)
An explosive blend of tactical sharpness and deep strategic understanding, Kasparov dominated chess with unmatched energy. His intense rivalries, especially against Karpov, are legendary. Kasparov later became a prominent political activist and author, strongly advocating for democracy and human rights.
9. Viswanathan Anand (2007–2013)
Known as the “Tiger from Madras,” Anand’s incredible versatility, rapid play, and innovative opening preparation won him admiration globally. Fluent in multiple languages, Anand was instrumental in popularizing chess across Asia, becoming India’s first grandmaster and world champion.
10. Magnus Carlsen (2013–2023)
Carlsen’s universal style blends strategic depth, positional understanding, and endgame mastery, making him one of the greatest players ever. Known for his exceptional memory and quick wit, Carlsen has successfully ventured into fashion modeling and is credited with significantly increasing chess’s global appeal through digital platforms and media.
11. Ding Liren (2023–2024)
China’s first-ever World Chess Champion, Ding Liren is renowned for his deep positional insight, calm demeanor under pressure, and meticulous opening preparation. Ding’s historical victory marked a significant milestone in global chess, demonstrating extraordinary resilience and mental toughness.
12. Gukesh Dommaraju (2024–Present)
India’s youngest grandmaster and a chess prodigy, Gukesh achieved the World Championship at a remarkably young age, defeating Ding Liren in 2024. Known for his dynamic middlegame strategy and precise endgame technique, Gukesh represents the next generation of chess innovation and ambition.
Each champion has uniquely enriched the game, leaving behind inspiring legacies and an enduring passion for chess that continues to captivate players worldwide.
Their games form an invaluable treasure trove from which every chess enthusiast can learn—but with so many to explore, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. No worries! We’ve got you covered with a curated selection of games from each champion, thoughtfully handpicked and expertly annotated by IM Jesper Hall. These iconic games perfectly illustrate each master’s distinct playing style and greatest strengths.
And the best part? You can practice critical positions from these legendary battles against the world’s most human-like chess AI. Ever dreamed of converting an endgame with Capablanca’s unmatched precision, unleashing a daring kingside assault with Spassky’s boldness, or stepping into Gukesh’s shoes in the decisive moment of Game 14 that earned him the crown?
Explore Noctie’s special series on the World Champion games here!