Topalov won the FIDE world championship tournament in San Luis in 2005, was ranked world number one and played two title matches — against Kramnik in 2006 and Anand in 2010. He is famous for exchange sacrifices and uncompromising play.
Topalov won the 2005 FIDE World Championship tournament in San Luis, Argentina, with a dominant first half, and became world number one. In 2006 he played Kramnik in a reunification match, losing in a rapid tiebreak.
02
Always playing for a win
Topalov is known for dynamic, risky chess and for giving up material — especially the exchange — for activity and initiative. He challenged Anand for the title in 2010 and lost only in the final game.
Did you know?
♞Fact #1Tap to revealTopalov held the FIDE world title in 2005–2006.
♝Fact #2Tap to revealHe played world championship matches against both Kramnik and Anand.
Three lessons from Topalov for your own games
1Activity can be worth material
2Play for the win when the position allows
3Fight until the last game
Veselin Topalov’s games
Watch the featured game replay itself, or pick any game below. Every game opens move by move with engine analysis.