Dojo Talks: A Chess Podcast

EP 178 | The Top-10 Greatest Chess Tournaments Ever

Jan 12, 2026
Guest
ChessNerd (guest)
ChessNerd, a passionate chess aficionado and historical expert, joins the team to debate the top 10 chess tournaments ever. They explore iconic events like the London 1851, detailing its role in shaping international chess, and dissect Fischer's incredible performance at the 1964 U.S. Championship. The panel dives into the controversial 1948 World Championship, praises Topalov's dominance in 2005, and reflects on the significance of tournaments like Zurich 1953, all while debating what truly makes a tournament legendary.
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ANECDOTE

Kasparov's Breakout Moment

  • The Soviet Championship 1981 marked Garry Kasparov's breakout onto the world stage at age 18.
  • ChessNerd and Kostya highlight its games' lasting value and Test of Time coverage.
INSIGHT

London 1851 Launched International Tournaments

  • London 1851 created the model for international chess tournaments and enabled later global events.
  • Staunton's organization set the foundation even if the play quality was lower than modern standards.
ANECDOTE

Pillsbury's Hastings Upset

  • Hastings 1895 produced Pillsbury's stunning victory over the era's top players and cemented his status.
  • The event became a long-running tradition and showcased high‑quality romantic- and positional-era clashes.
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