World Chess Championship - History and Format
The most prestigious title in chess - how it works and why it matters.
Published 2026-02-01 | Last verified 2026-02-12
Professor Archer says: The World Chess Championship is the Mount Everest of our game. From Steinitz in 1886 to the modern era, it has produced some of the most dramatic and intellectually intense competitions in all of sport. Understanding its history is understanding chess itself.
A Brief History
The first official World Chess Championship was held in 1886, when Wilhelm Steinitz defeated Johannes Zukertort. Since then, the title has been contested by the greatest minds in chess, from Emanuel Lasker and Jose Raul Capablanca to Bobby Fischer, Garry Kasparov, and Magnus Carlsen.
The championship has survived two World Wars, a Cold War rivalry, organizational splits, and the rise of computer chess. It remains the most coveted individual title in the chess world.
How the Championship Works
The current format is a match between the reigning champion and a challenger determined through the Candidates Tournament. The match typically consists of 14 classical games, with tiebreaks in rapid and blitz if the match is tied.
Each game is played at a classical time control, giving both players ample time for deep calculation and strategic planning. The matches are played over several weeks, testing not just chess ability but physical and psychological endurance.
The champion retains their title until they are defeated in a match or choose not to defend. This continuity of the title creates a lineage that stretches back over a century.
Why It Matters
The World Chess Championship transcends chess. It represents the ultimate test of human strategic thinking. The champions become cultural icons - Fischer's match against Spassky in 1972 was front-page news worldwide and a symbol of Cold War competition.
For chess players at every level, the championship is aspirational. It shows what the human mind can achieve with years of dedicated study and practice. Following the games, understanding the strategies, and appreciating the pressure the players face deepens your own connection to the game.
Championship FAQ
How does the challenger qualify?
The challenger is determined through the Candidates Tournament, a double round-robin event featuring eight of the world's strongest players. The winner earns the right to face the reigning champion.
What happens if the match is tied?
If the classical portion of the match is tied, tiebreaks are played at progressively faster time controls - typically rapid games first, then blitz, and finally an Armageddon game if needed.
Professor Archer says: Following the World Championship is the best way to connect with the broader chess world. When two of the strongest minds on earth sit across from each other with the title on the line, it reminds us all why we fell in love with this game.
Quick Quiz
Who was the first official World Chess Champion?
- Bobby Fischer - Fischer became champion in 1972, nearly a century after the first championship match.
- Garry Kasparov - Kasparov became champion in 1985. The first championship was almost 100 years earlier.
- Wilhelm Steinitz (Correct) - Correct. Wilhelm Steinitz won the first official World Chess Championship match in 1886, defeating Johannes Zukertort.
- Jose Raul Capablanca - Capablanca became champion in 1921 by defeating Lasker. The first champion predates him by decades.