From 1886 to Geneva: challengers once paid to face world chess champions

Gukesh is preparing to defend his title against Sindarov in Geneva.

For much of its history, the world chess championship was not a title a player could simply qualify to challenge for; challengers had to raise money, negotiate terms and persuade champions to play, from Steinitz–Zukertort in 1886 to long disputes involving Lasker, Capablanca and Rubinstein.

The USD 2.5 million match in Geneva offers a striking contrast: the challenger has earned his shot through a formal qualifying system.