Garry Kasparov, born in 1963 in Baku, Azerbaijan, is celebrated as one of the greatest chess players of all time. He ascended to the pinnacle of the chess world at the young age of 22, becoming the youngest ever undisputed World Chess Champion in 1985 after defeating Anatoly Karpov. Kasparov's aggressive playing style, deep preparation, and psychological insight into the game allowed him to dominate the chess scene for two decades, solidifying his reputation as a formidable competitor.
Beyond his remarkable achievements on the chessboard, Kasparov's impact extends into political activism and thought leadership. He retired from professional chess in 2005 to focus on his political career, becoming an outspoken critic of the Russian government, particularly Vladimir Putin's administration. Kasparov's advocacy for democracy and human rights has made him a prominent voice in global politics, and his insights into the intersections of power, freedom, and technology continue to influence public discourse.
Kasparov's legacy in chess is also cemented by his innovative contributions to chess theory and his memorable matches, especially against computers, which marked a turning point in the relationship between artificial intelligence and chess. His series of games against IBM's Deep Blue in the late 1990s highlighted the growing capabilities of computers in strategic thinking. Kasparov's influence remains strong through his books, such as the My Great Predecessors series, and his continued efforts to promote chess as a tool for education and cognitive development worldwide.
Russian Federation
Male
FIDE ID:
Croatia
United States
