Judit Polgar vs Garry Kasparov
Judit Polgar vs Garry Kasparov: head-to-head — careers, honours, key numbers and why the rivalry matters.
Why compare Judit Polgar and Garry Kasparov?
Judit Polgar famously defeated Garry Kasparov in 2002, marking a historic moment in chess history. Their rivalry highlighted the challenges faced by women in the sport.
Judit Polgar
Key numbers
- Peak rating2735
- FIDE rating2675 (June 2026)
- Peak rankingNo. 8 (January 2004)
- Top-rated womanFrom January 1989 until retirement in 2014
Top honours
- GrandmasterAchieved in 1991
- FIDE 100 AwardAwarded as the best female player of the past 100 years in 2024
- Inducted into the World Chess Hall of FameIn 2021
- Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Stephen of HungaryReceived in 2015
VS
Garry Kasparov
Key numbers
- Peak FIDE rating2851
- Total months ranked No. 1255
- Years active29
Top honours
- World Chess Champion1985–2000 (undisputed)
- FIDE World Champion1993–2000 (Classical)
- Most consecutive professional tournament victories15
- Chess Oscars11