The game of chess has a rich history full of epic battles and memorable matches between the world’s best players. As chess continues to grow in popularity in the 21st century, modern chess matches are reaching wider audiences and creating new legends in the chess world. In this article we talk about 10 Most Memorable Chess Matches of the 21st Century.
Kramnik vs. Deep Fritz (2002)
This highly publicized man vs. machine match featured then World Chess Champion Vladimir Kramnik battling an early chess supercomputer called Deep Fritz. Following two draws to open the match, Kramnik lost Game 3 after making a blunder he called “simply stupid.” He never recovered as Deep Fritz dominated the rest of the match to win 4-2. The loss stunned the chess world and marked the arrival of computers as equals to human chess players.
Kasparov vs. Deep Junior (2003)
Garry Kasparov came out of retirement for this match against the computer Deep Junior. Kasparov fought valiantly but ultimately lost the 6-game match by a score of 3-2 with one draw. Afterward, Kasparov said he saw openings and patterns he’d never seen before, a nod to the continued improvement of computer chess programs. The loss signaled the end of Kasparov’s legendary career.
Anand vs. Topalov (2010)
This 12-game World Chess Championship match featured rivals Viswanathan Anand and Veselin Topalov. The lead see-sawed between the players throughout. Topalov appeared ready to take control of the match in Game 12 when he had a winning position. But he failed to find the right continuations, allowing Anand to salvage a draw. That finale allowed Anand to retain his world title in a thrilling 6-5 victory.
Carlsen vs. Anand (2013)
Magnus Carlsen challenged reigning champion Viswanathan Anand for Anand’s world title. Despite Anand’s vast experience, 22-year old Carlsen controlled the match from the start. He won Games 5 and 6 to take a commanding 4-2 lead. Needing just a draw to clinch the title in Game 10, Carlsen was unstoppable. He crushed Anand in a mere 58 moves to complete a 6.5-3.5 rout and begin his reign as world champion at just age 22,.
Carlsen vs. Caruana (2018)
Carlsen defended his title against Fabiano Caruana in London. Shockingly, the 12 regular games finished in a 6-6 tie, forcing a tiebreaker. Carlsen won the first ever World Chess Championship tiebreaker in rapid chess format. Carlsen won the four rapid games 3-0 to retain his crown in dramatic fashion after 12 classical games failed to produce a winner.
Nepomniachtchi vs. Carlsen (2021)
Carlsen faced his toughest challenge yet from Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi. After 5 games, the score was tied 2.5-2.5. But Nepomniachtchi collapsed after that. He lost disastrously in games 6 and 9 to fall behind 5.5-3.5. Needing a miracle in game 11, Nepomniachtchi overpressed for a win and lost quickly. Carlsen completed a dominating 7.5-3.5 victory for his fifth straight world championship.
Praggnanandhaa vs. Carlsen (2022)
While not a world championship match, this online game made headlines when 16 year old chess prodigy Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa stunned Magnus Carlsen. Praggnanandhaa played a creative opening and perfectly executed a positional exchange sacrifice. The attack was too much for Carlsen to handle. Praggnanandhaa’s victory showed his immense talent and thrilled the chess world with a shocking upset.
Ding Liren vs. Carlsen (2022)
Carlsen’s online chess dominance has been nearly unmatched, having once gone 125 games without a loss. But that streak ended against Chinese GM Ding Liren at the 2022 Chessable Masters tournament. In a Grünfeld Defense, Liren cleverly landed a bishop on g4 to compromise Carlsen’s pawn structure. The position deteriorated until Carlsen was forced to resign after 41 moves, astounding the chess world by ending Carlsen’s streak.
Firouzja vs. Carlsen (2022)
Another shocking online loss for Carlsen came quick on the heels of his Liren defeat when he was beaten by 19-year old prodigy Alireza Firouzja at the 2022 FTX Crypto Cup. Firouzja played a sharp Yugoslav Attack that Carlsen failed to neutralize. Firouzja capitalized on Carlsen’s passive play with a penetrating rook lift starting on move 18 that ruptured Carlsen’s position, leading to a swift resignation after 31 moves.
Carlsen vs. Niemann (2022)
No chess drama gripped the world in 2022 more than Magnus Carlsen’s shocking withdrawal from the Sinquefield Cup after an upset loss to Hans Niemann. Just weeks later, Carlsen resigned after one move against Niemann in protest at the Champions Chess Tour. Carlsen’s actions implicated Niemann of cheating. The resulting fallout and investigation into Niemann’s past continues.
Final Thought
As these contests prove, elite chess in the 21st century consistently delivers suspenseful drama, amazing creativity and immortal moments. The boundless possibilities flowing from 64 squares and 32 pieces will undoubtedly continue to enthrall the chess world for the next 100 years as well. I sincerely hope you find this “10 Most Memorable Chess Matches of the 21st Century” article helpful.