Chess in Iceland

Organized chess in Iceland dates back to 1900 with the founding of the Reykjavík Chess Club.^[1] The game grew significantly in popularity following the 1972 World Chess Championship, held in the capital Reykjavík, between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky.^[2] Fischer later became an Icelandic citizen in 2005. Today, Iceland remains active in the international chess community and hosts annual tournaments such as the Reykjavik Open.^[3] Chess Grandmaster and Icelandic citizen Friðrik Ólafsson is widely credited with the development of chess in Iceland.^[4]

1972 World Chess Championship

Further information: 1972 World Chess Championship

See also

• Culture of Iceland
• Reykjavik Open
• Bobby Fischer Center