Garry Kasparov vs Veselin Topalov · Wijk aan Zee, 1999 · Pirc Defense · 1-0
Played at the 1999 Wijk aan Zee super-tournament, this game is frequently cited as the greatest game of chess played in the computer era. Kasparov, the greatest player of his generation, sacrifices a rook on move 24 (Rxd4!!) in a position where no computer of the time could calculate the consequences. The sacrifice is followed by a relentless attacking sequence that drives the Black king from d8 all the way to a3 — an extraordinary king hunt across 20+ squares. Kasparov then gives up his queen and a second rook to deliver checkmate. The game demonstrates Kasparov's unique combination of tactical calculation and positional vision — he saw the entire sequence many moves ahead. Many analysts consider this the single greatest game of chess ever played in a competitive tournament setting.