Hastings 1895

Arguably the strongest tournament of the 19th century. Harry Nelson Pillsbury's stunning debut, winning ahead of Chigorin, Lasker, Tarrasch, and Steinitz.

The American Sensation

Hastings 1895 brought together virtually every strong player in the world for what was, at the time, the strongest chess tournament ever held. The field included reigning World Champion Lasker, former champion Steinitz, Chigorin, Tarrasch, Blackburne, and a 22-year-old American named Harry Nelson Pillsbury whom nobody expected to win.

Pillsbury won with 16.5/21, half a point ahead of Chigorin and a full point ahead of Lasker. His victory was one of the great upsets in chess history. He had never competed in Europe before and was virtually unknown outside the United States. His play was characterized by bold attacks and deep preparation, particularly his use of the Queen's Gambit Declined, which he helped popularize.

Tragically, Pillsbury's career was cut short by syphilis, which caused declining health and mental deterioration. He died in 1906 at age 33, having never gotten another shot at the World Championship despite his Hastings triumph.