Mikhail Tal
(1936-1992)

The 8th world champion (1960-61), Tal was the fiercest attacking player ever to hold the title. As a young and irresistible force, he was Soviet champion in 1957 and 1958, interzonal winner in 1958, conqueror of the legendary Bled candidates’ matches in 1959, and the youngest world champion until that time in 1960. Tal was stopped by an immovable Botvinnik and bad health in 1961. But his romantic revolution was not. Many players were inspired by his highly creative and explosive style.