The never ending struggle to become the best player in their sport haunts most, if not, all of humanity. The countless hours studying, training, and becoming the best player that you can be. Football, baseball, tennis, soccer, hockey, badminton, ping pong, and even chess.
It is said that chess is the oldest sport that has been the same for centuries, but can never be perfected. Countless players from around the world have become big time players of the sport, but only one becomes world champion, the best of the rest.
The world championship title hasn’t always been part of chess. It was first rewarded to Wilhelm Steinitz from the Kingdom of Bohemia. The tournament was held in the United States in 1886 and has been held about every two years since then. However, some plans change. War, pandemics, failure to acquire sponsorships for the tournament, or simply failing to show up.
Bobby Fischer, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, is arguably the greatest chess player to move the pieces. He was world champion from 1972-1975. He was championed after defeating Boris Spassky, a Russian player who attempted to continue the reign of champions between the Russians, in Iceland. From 1948-1972, the reign was kept between Russian players. Bobby Fischer was the underdog, ending the streak and proving to the world that he was the best. Fischer was great, but not perfect. There are no undefeated players in the sport, there are only win streaks and losses.
Fast forward to present-day chess and witness the world championship contender, Ian Nepomniachtchi. Ian has a positive record against world champions including GM Vladimir Kramnik, GM Viswanathan Anand, GM Gerry Kasparov, and GM Magnus Carlsen. He will compete against current champion, Magnus Carlsen in November. Ian has not competed in tournaments since being informed of this, preparing for the most important match of his career.
From learning how to play, to learning how to win, people have enjoyed the sport of chess. It takes dedication, determination, and the will to become the best. The title of greatest of all time from some sports can be Jerry Rice from football, Babe Ruth from baseball, Wayne Gretzky from hockey, Michael Jordan from basketball, but many have different opinions when it comes to chess; from Paul Morphy, Bobby Fischer, Gerry Kasparov, and even Magnus Carlsen. Perfection is unattainable in chess, but it’s how you leave your mark that makes you a legend.