Draft:World Chess Championship predecessors

Chess was first introduced to Europe during the 9th century. In the early modern era, following the solidification of the modern rules of chess, the game continued to carry consistent prestige and public interest. While numerous players have been characterized as the game's strongest over the centuries, the idea of an international chess match or tournament did not occur until the 18th century, and did not materialize until the 19th century. While the following events did not have the title of World Champion at stake, they have been recognized either at the time or in retrospect as indicating the world's leading player.

16th- and 17th-century major events

Predecessor events prior to 1886

Date	Date	Location	Location	Ref	Ref
1575	Madrid, Spain	Italy Giovanni Leonardo di Bona		Spain Ruy López de Segura		Di Bona won	Match held at the court of King Philip II of Spain between the leading players of the time; often regarded by historians as the first recorded international chess match.
c.1619	Paris, France	Italy Gioachino Greco		Various opponents at European courts		Greco undefeated	Earliest known professional master to tour European courts, defeating the leading players of France, Spain and England.