Viktor Korchnoi

Viktor Lvovich Korchnoi (March 23, 1931 – June 6, 2019) was a Soviet and later Swiss chess grandmaster who ranked among the world's elite players for over four decades. During his career, he achieved numerous tournament victories, matches against world champions, and earned the title of Candidate for the World Championship multiple times. Korchnoi's chess style was characterized by aggressive, dynamic play and deep positional understanding. His life was dramatically altered during the Cold War when he defected from the Soviet Union in 1976 while competing in Amsterdam, becoming a symbol of the struggle for freedom. After defection, he continued playing at the highest levels, competing in two World Championship matches against Anatoly Karpov. Korchnoi's resilience and fighting spirit both over the board and in life made him an iconic figure in chess. His games are studied by contemporary players for their instructive value, and his memoirs provide insights into Soviet chess culture and the Cold War era. Korchnoi's legacy encompasses not only chess mastery but also his courage in pursuing personal freedom.