Anatoly Karpov was born on May 23rd 1951 in Zlatoust, graduated from the Leningrad State University. He lives in Moscow.

Karpov became a Master at 15, Grandmaster at 19.

He was a champion among juniors in 1969.

Karpov was the World Champion from 1975 until 1985 and winning the title again in 1993 within FIDE.

He was the Champion of the USSR in 1976, 1983 and 1988.

Karpov is a multiple Champion of Europe and the winner of World Olympiads as a member of the Soviet team.

Karpov took part in more than 200 Tournaments on Classic and Rapid Chess, in many matches including candidate matches and in the World Championship.

He is the winner of more than 130 international tournaments and matches. During this World Championship cycle, he won his candidate match, Gelfand.

Karpov has been participating in the World Champioship for 23 years.