Timeline of Bobby Fischer, the first American World Chess Champion.
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Dashed left edge = started before this timeline ·
Dashed right edge = still ongoing
Bobby Fischer 4
1971Fischer's dominant Candidates run20 consecutive winsOn his way to the 1972 title match, Fischer achieved one of chess history's greatest streaks: 20 consecutive wins including 6-0 against Taimanov and 6-0 against Larsen in the Candidates matches.
1972 – 1975Fischer World Champion reignFirst American World Chess ChampionBobby Fischer became the first American World Chess Champion by defeating Boris Spassky in Reykjavik in 1972, ending 24 years of Soviet dominance. His reign ended when he refused to defend against Karpov in 1975.
1972Match of the Century — Fischer vs SpasskyCold War on the chessboardBobby Fischer defeated Boris Spassky 12½-8½ in Reykjavik in the most watched chess match in history. The Cold War backdrop made it a global media event, bringing chess to millions of new fans worldwide.
1975Fischer forfeits title to KarpovDisappears from competitive chessFischer refused to defend his title against Anatoly Karpov over disputes with FIDE about match conditions. He was stripped of the title and effectively retired from competitive chess for 17 years.