Anatoly Karpov is a Russian chess grandmaster and former world champion, widely considered one of the greatest players in history. Born on May 23, 1951, Karpov was World Champion from 1975 to 1985, when he was defeated by rival Garry Kasparov. He also held the FIDE World Championship from 1993 to 1999.
Karpov's playing style is identified as positional and strategic. He excelled in exploiting small advantages and maintaining long-term pressure on his opponents, rather than seeking immediate tactical victories. Despite frequent criticisms for his supposedly "boring" style, Karpov's prowess in the endgame and deep strategic understanding made him a formidable competitor.
Karpov showed early promise, earning the title of Candidate Master by age 11. He won the World Junior Championship in 1969 and became an International Master the same year. In 1971, at only 19, he became the youngest Grandmaster at the time. He was named the 12th World Chess Champion in 1975 after American chess player Bobby Fischer failed to defend his title.
Karpov's rivalry with Garry Kasparov, another Soviet player, is one of the most famous in chess history. In the 1984 championship match, which was halted without result after five months of gruelling play, Karpov was leading, but visibly exhausted. When the match was replayed in 1985, Kasparov won, ending Karpov's ten-year reign as champion.
Despite losing the unified championship, Karpov remained one of the top players in the world, winning many international tournaments. He regained the FIDE World Championship title in 1993 when Kasparov and Nigel Short split from FIDE to form a rival organization. Karpov remained FIDE World Champion until 1999 when he was defeated by Alexander Khalifman.
In addition to his chess career, Karpov held various political roles, becoming a member of the Soviet Union's Central Committee and later being elected to the Russian Duma. He also devoted significant time to charitable work. In 2010, he ran unsuccessfully for the position of FIDE President.