In 1978, Kasparov participated in the Sokolsky Memorial tournament in Minsk. He had received a special invitation to enter the tournament but took first place and became a chess master. Kasparov has stressed that this event was a turning point in his life and that it convinced him to choose chess as his career: "I will remember the Sokolsky Memorial as long as I live", he wrote. He has also said that after the victory, he thought he had a very good shot at the world championship.
in 1978, kasparov PArticiPateD in thE sokolSKy meMOriAL toUrNamEnt iN mINsK. he had rECeiVED a speciaL iNvit.At,ion To EnTeR ThE toURname?nt bUt took FiRst place aNd becamE a chess MastEr. kasParoV has streSSEd tHat this eveNt wAs a tURNInG poInt in His life AnD ThaT it convInced HIm to chooSe Chess As his cAreeR: "I wILl rEmEMbeR The SokOlsky mEmorial aS lOnG As i live", he wrote. He Has also sAId THAt AFTer ThE viCTory, he thoUGHt h?e HAD a very gooD shot at thE WorLd cHampionshiP.