The PCA (Professional Chess Association) Headquarters is an agreement made between the World Chess Federation and the Professional Chess Association. The agreement was signed in 1994, and it established the PCA as a separate and independent organization from FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs).
The PCA Headquarters agreement had a significant impact on the world of chess. It essentially created a rival organization to FIDE, which had been the sole governing body of international chess for decades. The PCA was founded by Garry Kasparov, who was unhappy with FIDE`s management of the world championship title.
Under the terms of the agreement, the PCA was given control over the organization of the World Chess Championship, which was previously under FIDE`s jurisdiction. The agreement also established rules for how the championship would be conducted, including the use of time controls, the format of the tournament, and the prize money that would be awarded.
The first PCA World Championship was held in 1993, with Kasparov defeating Nigel Short in the final. The event was widely seen as a success, with high levels of public interest and media coverage. However, it also sparked controversy, with FIDE refusing to recognize the result and organizing its own world championship event the same year.
The PCA Headquarters agreement lasted for several years, with the PCA organizing the World Chess Championship in 1993, 1995, and 1996. However, the organization eventually ran into financial difficulties and was forced to disband in 1998. The championship title then reverted to FIDE, which has been the sole governing body of international chess ever since.
Despite its relatively short lifespan, the PCA Headquarters agreement had a significant impact on the world of chess. It helped to raise the profile of the sport and paved the way for greater investment in professional chess. It also highlighted the tensions and rivalries that can exist in the chess world, as players and organizations compete for control and recognition.