The History of the Candidates Tournament
The Candidates Tournament is an event in the world of professional chess that has been in existence since the early 20th century. Its purpose is to determine the challenger for the current world chess champion in what is often referred to as the “match of the century.” This tournament, full of drama and high stakes, has been the gateway to ultimate glory for many of the greatest chess players in history.
In the decades that followed, the format of the Candidates Tournament went through various changes. In some years, it was a knockout-style tournament, while in others it was a round robin or a combination of both. The number of participants also varied, with some years featuring as few as six players and others as many as 20. Despite these changes, the prestige and importance of the tournament remained constant, with chess legends like Bobby Fischer, Boris Spassky, and Garry Kasparov all earning their spot as challenger through the Candidates Tournament.
The Modern Day Format
In recent years, the format of the Candidates Tournament has settled into a consistent structure. The event now takes place every two years, with the world´s top eight players competing in a double round robin tournament. This means that each player faces all other players twice, once with white pieces and once with black pieces, for a total of 14 games. The player with the most points at the end of the tournament becomes the official challenger for the world champion.
The Significance of the Candidates Tournament
The Candidates Tournament is often considered the most important event in the chess world, after the World Chess Championship itself. It is the ultimate test for players to showcase their skills and prove they are worthy of challenging the world champion. The stakes are high, and the pressure is immense, making for thrilling and intense gameplay.
The Ultimate Glory
For any professional chess player, the ultimate goal is to become the chess world champion. And the Candidates Tournament is the crucial stepping stone towards this ultimate glory. It is an event that requires not only immense skill and talent but also mental fortitude and strategic thinking. The winner of the tournament is truly the cream of the crop, and their victory is a testament to their dedication and perseverance.
