1954 World Chess Championship: Botvinnik vs. Smyslov

The 1954 World Chess Championship was held from March 16 to May 13, 1954, in Moscow, Soviet Union. Reigning champion Mikhail Botvinnik defended his title against challenger Vasily Smyslov, who had earned the right to challenge by winning the 1953 Candidates Tournament. The match was played over 24 games, with the first player to score 12½ points declared the winner. The match concluded in a 12–12 draw, meaning Botvinnik retained his title under the existing rules. This outcome marked the second consecutive World Chess Championship match between Botvinnik and Smyslov, following their previous encounter in 1951, which also ended in a draw, allowing Botvinnik to retain his title. The 1954 match was notable for its high level of play and the intense competition between the two Soviet grandmasters.