Die größten Turniere der Schachgeschichte

ChessBase Verlagsgesellschaft mbH has compiled a list of the biggest chess tournaments in history, measuring their significance by the caliber of players, prize money, and level of media coverage.

1. World Chess Championship, 1972 - Reykjavik, Iceland

The most famous tournament in chess history took place in Reykjavik, where American Bobby Fischer faced off against Soviet Union's Boris Spassky. This event was not only a clash between two high-level chess players, but also represented the Cold War rivalry between the US and USSR. Fischer triumphed, becoming the first American to win the world championship.

2. Linares, 1994 - Linares, Spain

The best players in the world gathered for the Linares tournament in Spain. Garry Kasparov stood out as the undisputed champion of that era, winning an impressive eleven titles in this tournament. His fierce rival Anatoly Karpov was also a frequent participant.

3. Chess Olympiad, 1927 - London, England

The first ever Chess Olympiad brought together 16 teams from around the world. Hungary emerged as champions, but this tournament marked a turning point for chess on a global scale.

4. World Chess Championship, 1985 - Moscow, USSR

Garry Kasparov defeated Anatoly Karpov in Moscow to become the youngest ever world champion at age 22. The tournament was grueling, lasting for months and featuring numerous draws.

5. Candidates Tournament, 1959 - Yugoslavia

This tournament is legendary mainly for one match: Bobby Fischer vs. Mikhail Tal. Although Tal ultimately won the tournament and went on to become world champion, Fischer's victory over Tal in their individual game was a shock to the chess community at the time.

6. Tata Steel Chess Tournament, 2011 - Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands

This event is now one of the most important tournaments in the world, attracting some of the top players of today. The Tata Steel Chess Tournament gained particular significance in 2011 when Hikaru Nakamura became the first American to win the tournament since Bobby Fischer in 1975.

• these tournaments drew the attention of thousands of chess enthusiasts and proved to be unforgettable moments in chess history with enduring legacies.