The Greatest Chess Game Ever Played: Kasparov’s Immortal Masterpiece

The Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in chess, according to many including GM Magnus Carlsen, is still GM Garry Kasparov. Today marks the 25th anniversary of Kasparov’s most famous and possibly best-ever game, played against GM Veselin Topalov in Wijk aan Zee. The historic game took place on January 20, 1999, during the Hoogovens Tournament.

Kasparov, accompanied by his second GM Yuri Dokhoian, made their way to the tournament venue from Hotel Zeeduin in the cold winter of the Netherlands. Kasparov’s strategic brilliance and stunning sacrifices during the game left spectators and journalists in awe. The game culminated in a beautiful stroke by Kasparov on move 37, leading to Topalov’s resignation on move 44.

The game has been compared to Diego Maradona’s “Goal of the Century” in football, with its level of beauty and complexity. Journalists and chess enthusiasts worldwide have hailed it as one of the greatest chess games ever played. GM Rafael Leitao, who was present at the game, described it as a masterpiece that continues to captivate chess enthusiasts.

In a recent interview, Topalov reflected on the game, admitting that his opening choice was naive and acknowledging Kasparov’s deep combination. Despite the loss, Topalov has no regrets and recalls Kasparov’s remark that the game would have been different if he had made a different move.

As the chess world commemorates this historic game, players at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament have also shared their admiration for Kasparov’s immortal game. The game has earned the nickname “Kasparov’s Immortal” for its lasting impact on the chess community.

The legacy of Garry Kasparov and his remarkable game against Veselin Topalov continues to inspire chess players and enthusiasts worldwide, solidifying Kasparov’s status as one of the greatest chess players of all time.