Chess as a Million-Dollar Sport: From Steinitz to Gukesh

Chess has evolved from an intellectual pastime to a global phenomenon. The history of world champions illustrates the journey of this royal game, from its early beginnings to the modern era of professional play and record-breaking earnings.

Chess, often called the royal game, has a rich and storied history. The professionalization of chess began in 1886 when Wilhelm Steinitz claimed the first official World Chess Champion title. Steinitz’s reign marked the start of organized, competitive chess at the highest level. His successors, including Emanuel Lasker, José Raúl Capablanca, and Alexander Alekhine, further developed the game's strategic complexity, each leaving a lasting mark on chess theory.

The Golden Era of Chess

The mid-20th century is often referred to as the golden era of chess. In 1948, the World Chess Championship came under the governance of FIDE, the International Chess Federation. Mikhail Botvinnik, the first FIDE world champion, laid the foundation for Soviet dominance in chess. Legends like Vasily Smyslov, Tigran Petrosian, and Boris Spassky followed, shaping an era where chess became a symbol of intellectual prowess and national pride.

Bobby Fischer’s victory in 1972 against Boris Spassky in the "Match of the Century" brought chess unprecedented global attention. Fischer’s brilliance and charisma transcended the game, making him a household name and inspiring a new generation of players.

Modern Masters

The 1980s and 1990s were defined by Garry Kasparov, who many consider the greatest chess player of all time. His rivalry with Anatoly Karpov produced some of the most intense and closely watched matches in chess history. Kasparov’s dynamic style, combined with his ability to adapt and innovate, set new standards for competitive play.

The 21st century introduced Magnus Carlsen, a Norwegian prodigy who redefined modern chess with his universal playing style and psychological resilience. Carlsen’s reign as world champion since 2013 has coincided with chess's digital transformation, popularizing the game through online platforms, streaming, and social media.

World Champions Through the Ages

1. Wilhelm Steinitz (1886–1894)

• Notable Match: Defeated Johannes Zukertort in the first official World Chess Championship (1886).
• Earnings: Approximately $4,000 (adjusted for inflation: ~$120,000).
• Legacy: Pioneer of positional chess and the professionalization of the game.

2. Emanuel Lasker (1894–1921)

• Longest Reign: Held the title for 27 years, the longest in history.
• Earnings: Estimated $20,000 (~$600,000 adjusted).
• Legacy: Known for his psychological approach and adaptability.

3. José Raúl Capablanca (1921–1927)

• Elegant Genius: Defeated Lasker in 1921.
• Earnings: Around $15,000 (~$400,000 adjusted).
• Legacy: Celebrated for his flawless endgame technique.

4. Alexander Alekhine (1927–1935, 1937–1946)

• Tactical Innovator: Won the title from Capablanca in 1927.
• Earnings: Estimated $25,000 (~$800,000 adjusted).
• Legacy: Blended tactical brilliance with strategic insight.

5. Max Euwe (1935–1937)

• The Gentleman Champion: Defeated Alekhine in 1935.
• Earnings: Approximately $5,000 (~$170,000 adjusted).
• Legacy: Known for his integrity and contributions to chess education.

6. Mikhail Botvinnik (1948–1963)

• Soviet Dominance: The first FIDE world champion.
• Earnings: Estimated $50,000 (~$1.2 million adjusted).
• Legacy: Established Soviet supremacy in chess.

7. Vasily Smyslov (1957–1958)

• Harmony on the Board: Held the title briefly but left a lasting mark.
• Earnings: Around $15,000 (~$400,000 adjusted).
• Legacy: Renowned for his harmonious style.

8. Mikhail Tal (1960–1961)

• The Magician from Riga: Known for his daring sacrifices.
• Earnings: Approximately $10,000 (~$300,000 adjusted).
• Legacy: A creative genius loved by fans.

9. Tigran Petrosian (1963–1969)

• The Iron Defender: Master of prophylaxis.
• Earnings: Estimated $25,000 (~$600,000 adjusted).
• Legacy: His solid style ensured a long reign.

10. Boris Spassky (1969–1972)

• Universal Player: Excelled in all types of positions.
• Earnings: Around $50,000 (~$1.3 million adjusted).
• Legacy: Known for his epic clashes with Fischer.

11. Bobby Fischer (1972–1975)

• The Icon: Defeated Spassky in the “Match of the Century.”
• Earnings: Approximately $250,000 (~$1.6 million adjusted).
• Legacy: Elevated chess to global prominence.

12. Anatoly Karpov (1975–1985)

• Strategic Maestro: Dominated chess in Fischer’s absence.
• Earnings: Estimated $1.5 million (~$4 million adjusted).
• Legacy: Embodied classical chess excellence.

13. Garry Kasparov (1985–2000)

• The Greatest?: Won five title defenses.
• Earnings: Over $3 million (~$6 million adjusted).
• Legacy: Revolutionized modern chess with his dynamic play.

14. Vladimir Kramnik (2000–2007)

• Quiet Genius: Defeated Kasparov in 2000.
• Earnings: Around $2 million (~$3 million adjusted).
• Legacy: Introduced new ideas in the Berlin Defense.

15. Viswanathan Anand (2007–2013)

• The Tiger of Madras: Excelled in all formats.
• Earnings: Estimated $3 million (~$4 million adjusted).
• Legacy: Brought chess to the forefront in India.

16. Magnus Carlsen (2013–Present)

• The Modern Icon: Revolutionized chess in the digital age.
• Earnings: Over $5 million (~$5 million adjusted, excluding online and sponsorship revenues).
• Legacy: Made chess more accessible through online platforms and streaming.

Earnings Over Time

• Early Champions (1886–1948): Modest prize funds, with earnings rarely exceeding $20,000 for a title match.
• Soviet Era (1948–1990): Increased prize money, with champions earning up to $50,000 per match.
• Modern Era (1990–Present): Exponential growth, driven by sponsorships, corporate backing, and digital media.

Chess has grown from a gentleman’s game to a professional sport where world champions not only earn significant sums but also shape the cultural and intellectual identity of chess globally. From Steinitz to Carlsen, each champion has contributed uniquely to this extraordinary legacy.