PGN Base
The World Chess Champions
Every undisputed champion since the title was first contested in 1886, in chronological order. Choose a champion to read their story.
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Wilhelm Steinitz
World Champion 1886–1894
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Emanuel Lasker
World Champion 1894–1921
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José Raúl Capablanca
World Champion 1921–1927
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Alexander Alekhine
World Champion 1927–1935, 1937–1946
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Max Euwe
World Champion 1935–1937
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Mikhail Botvinnik
World Champion 1948–1957, 1958–1960, 1961–1963
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Vasily Smyslov
World Champion 1957–1958
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Mikhail Tal
World Champion 1960–1961
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Tigran Petrosian
World Champion 1963–1969
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Boris Spassky
World Champion 1969–1972
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Bobby Fischer
World Champion 1972–1975
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Anatoly Karpov
World Champion 1975–1985
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Garry Kasparov
World Champion 1985–2000
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Vladimir Kramnik
World Champion 2000–2007
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Viswanathan Anand
World Champion 2007–2013
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Magnus Carlsen
World Champion 2013–2023
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Ding Liren
World Champion 2023–2024
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Gukesh Dommaraju
World Champion 2024–present