Why compare Garry Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov?

Kasparov's rivalry with Karpov defined an era in chess, with multiple World Championship matches contested between them. Their first match in 1984 saw Karpov leading before a controversial series of draws.

Garry Kasparov

Key numbers

  • Peak FIDE rating2851
  • Total months ranked No. 1255
  • Years active29

Top honours

  • World Chess Champion1985–2000 (undisputed)
  • FIDE World Champion1993–2000 (Classical)
  • Most consecutive professional tournament victories15
  • Chess Oscars11
VS

Anatoly Karpov

Key numbers

  • World Championships won2
  • Total tournament victoriesOver 100
  • Peak FIDE rating2725

Top honours

  • World Chess Champion1975–1985
  • FIDE World Champion1993–1996