World Chess Champions (1886–Today)
Looking for a clear World Chess Champions list and a simple explanation of how the World Chess Championship works? Start with the champions table, then watch famous games and try a key position against the computer.
Quick answers
- Current World Champion: Gukesh Dommaraju
- Is it held every year? No — in the modern era it usually runs on a two-year cycle.
- How the title is decided: Candidates winner becomes the challenger → champion vs challenger match.
World Chess Champions (1886–Today)
A practical “who held the title” list. (Years shown are title reigns.)
| Champion | Reign | One-line memory hook |
|---|---|---|
| Wilhelm Steinitz | 1886–1894 | First official champion; early positional foundations. |
| Emanuel Lasker | 1894–1921 | Longest reign; practical, adaptable, tough match player. |
| José Capablanca | 1921–1927 | Technique and endgame clarity. |
| Alexander Alekhine | 1927–1935 | Dynamic calculation and attacking complexity. |
| Max Euwe | 1935–1937 | Famous upset win; strong preparation. |
| Alexander Alekhine | 1937–1946 | Regained title; title later became vacant. |
| Mikhail Botvinnik | 1948–1957 | Strategic planning and structure; “school” of chess. |
| Vasily Smyslov | 1957–1958 | Harmony and endgame finesse. |
| Mikhail Botvinnik | 1958–1960 | Deep opening work and match toughness. |
| Mikhail Tal | 1960–1961 | Imagination, sacrifices, and practical pressure. |
| Mikhail Botvinnik | 1961–1963 | Regained title again under old rematch rules. |
| Tigran Petrosian | 1963–1969 | Defensive mastery and prevention. |
| Boris Spassky | 1969–1972 | Universal style; strong match player. |
| Bobby Fischer | 1972–1975 | 1972 match became a global chess moment. |
| Anatoly Karpov | 1975–1985 | Positional squeeze and technique. |
| Garry Kasparov | 1985–2000 | Preparation + dynamic play; modern era blueprint. |
| Vladimir Kramnik | 2000–2007 | Strategic control; famous 2000 match victory. |
| Viswanathan Anand | 2007–2013 | Universal style; speed and precision. |
| Magnus Carlsen | 2013–2023 | Endgame technique and converting tiny edges. |
| Ding Liren | 2023–2024 | Dramatic title win in 2023. |
| Gukesh Dommaraju | 2024–Present | New generation champion. |
Watch famous World Championship games
Pick a game and replay it move-by-move.
Practice a key Championship position
Load a position and play it out against the computer. (These positions use exact starting setups.)
Choose a position
Selected: r2qr1k1/5pp1/p4n1p/2bP1b2/Np5B/3n1B2/PP1Q1PPP/1N1R1RK1 b - - 1 19
Use the buttons below to choose a side and start from the selected position.
How the World Chess Championship works
The modern World Chess Championship is usually decided in a match between the reigning champion and a challenger. The challenger earns that right by winning the Candidates Tournament.
- Players qualify for the Candidates through major events and qualification paths set for that cycle.
- The Candidates winner becomes the challenger.
- Champion vs challenger decide the title in a match.
The match is played mainly with classical time controls. If the match is tied after the scheduled classical games, tiebreak games decide the champion.
Common questions about the World Chess Championship
Who is the current World Chess Champion?
The current World Chess Champion is Gukesh Dommaraju.
Is the World Chess Championship held every year?
No. In the modern era, the World Chess Championship usually follows a two-year cycle, with a Candidates Tournament producing a challenger for the title match.
How often is the World Chess Championship held?
In the modern era it is usually held every two years: a Candidates Tournament produces a challenger, then the challenger plays the champion for the title.
What is the Candidates Tournament?
The Candidates Tournament is the qualifying event that decides who earns the right to challenge the reigning World Champion in the title match.
How is the World Chess Champion decided?
The World Chess Champion is decided in a match between the reigning champion and a challenger who qualifies through the Candidates Tournament.
What is the match format?
The match is played mainly with classical time controls. If the score is tied after the scheduled classical games, faster tiebreak games decide the champion.
Why did Magnus Carlsen not defend his World Championship title?
Magnus Carlsen chose not to play a title defense match in the 2023 cycle, so the title was contested by other players in that match cycle.
Is the World Champion always the number one rated player?
Not always. The World Champion is determined by the championship match, while the world number one is based on rating lists.
Who was the World Chess Champion in 2012?
Viswanathan Anand was the World Chess Champion in 2012.
Who was the World Chess Champion in 2013 and 2014?
Magnus Carlsen became World Chess Champion in 2013 and successfully defended the title in 2014.
Who defeated Bobby Fischer in a World Championship match?
Bobby Fischer won the World Championship match he played in 1972 against Boris Spassky. He later lost the title by not playing a defense match.
What is the quickest way to learn from World Championship games?
Replay one full match game, then pause at a key moment and try to find the best plan yourself before checking the continuation.
Last updated: 2026-03-04