Fischer faces defending World Champion Boris Spassky in a highly publicized match in Reykjavik, Iceland. After a controversial start (including forfeiting the second game), Fischer defeats Spassky 12.5-8.5, becoming the 11th World Chess Champion and ending decades of Soviet dominance in chess.

Fischer sets forth a series of demands for the 1975 World Championship match against Anatoly Karpov, which FIDE (the World Chess Federation) deems unacceptable. He refuses to defend his title, and Karpov is declared the new World Champion by default.

Fischer largely disappears from public view, living a reclusive life and refusing to participate in chess tournaments. He becomes a subject of intense speculation and rumors.