Garry Kasparov

Garry Kasparov. He is widely considered one of the greatest chess players in history, renowned for his aggressive, dynamic style and deep preparation. He became the youngest ever undisputed World Chess Champion in 1985 at age 22 by defeating Anatoly Karpov, a title he held until 2000. Beyond the board, he evolved into a prominent political activist, vocally opposing the regimes of Vladimir Putin and advocating for democracy in Russia.

Early life and career

Born Garik Weinstein in Baku, Azerbaijan SSR, to an Armenian mother and a Jewish father, he later adopted his mother's surname, Kasparov. A prodigy, he began studying at the Mikhail Botvinnik chess school under the tutelage of renowned coach Alexander Shakarov. He won the World Junior Chess Championship in 1980, the same year he was awarded the Grandmaster title by FIDE. His rapid ascent set the stage for an epic rivalry, as he qualified to challenge the reigning champion Anatoly Karpov for the world title in 1984.

World Chess Champion

His first championship match against Karpov in Moscow in 1984 was controversially halted by FIDE President Florencio Campomanes after 48 games, with Karpov leading but exhausted. In a rematch the following year, he triumphed to become the youngest world champion, defending his title against Karpov in 1986, 1987, and 1990. A schism in the chess world occurred in 1993 when he and challenger Nigel Short broke from FIDE to form the Professional Chess Association, leading to his reign as "classical" world champion. He famously defeated the IBM computer Deep Blue in 1996 but lost a highly publicized rematch in 1997. He lost his classical title to Vladimir Kramnik in 2000.

Political activism

Following his chess career, he turned his strategic mind to politics, becoming a fierce critic of Vladimir Putin. He co-founded the The Other Russia coalition and the United Civil Front opposition movement. His activism led to multiple arrests, particularly during protests like the Dissenters' March in Moscow. In 2007, he was a candidate in the 2008 Russian presidential election but was barred from running. Due to increasing pressure, including threats to his safety, he moved from Russia in 2013, eventually obtaining Croatian citizenship.

Retirement and later activities

After retiring from professional chess in 2005, he remained active in the game through writing, commentary, and promoting the Kasparov Chess Foundation. He authored several books, including the multi-volume series My Great Predecessors and the political memoir Winter Is Coming. He also engaged in public intellectual debates, served as the chairman of the Human Rights Foundation, and became a senior fellow at the Oxford Martin School. He continues to commentate on major events like the World Chess Championship and advocates for democratic reforms.

Legacy and influence

His legacy is monumental in both chess and political spheres. In chess, his record 255-month reign as world number one, his creation of the revolutionary Kasparov Variation in the Sicilian Defence, and his role in advancing computer chess are enduring contributions. Politically, he is recognized as a symbol of Russian opposition, receiving awards like the Milton Friedman Prize for advancing liberty. His life and career have been the subject of numerous documentaries and books, cementing his status as a towering and controversial figure of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Category:Chess players Category:World Chess Champions Category:Russian political activists