The 1986 World Chess Championship was played between Anatoly Karpov and Garry Kasparov in London and Leningrad (Saint Petersburg) from July 28 to October 8, 1986.

Anatoly Karpov was already assured of this rematch during his previous year's match, which was won by Garry Kasparov.

After two tense draws, Kasparov won the 22nd game and drew the 23rd to clinch the retention of the World Championship.

It was drawn so Kasparov received the winner's share of the purse.

Had Karpov won, the match would have ended in a tie and the purse would have been equally divided.