In 1974, Karpov triumphs over Korchnoi in the Candidates Final, with a score of 3:2 after 19 draws, earning the right to challenge reigning World Champion Bobby Fischer.

Fischer, impressed by Karpov's skills, gifts him an engraving of Moritz Retzsch's painting The Chess Players, symbolizing the eternal struggle of the game.

Both players endure extreme pressure: Korchnoi seeks vindication as a defector, while Karpov fights not only his opponent but also health concerns and political interference from Soviet authorities.

The match cements Karpov’s legacy as one of chess history’s greats, while reflecting the intense personal and political stakes of the Cold War era.

Principal photography began in July 2020 and lasted until March 2021, taking place in Spain, Netherlands, Thailand, Philippines, and Moscow, Russia.