Magnus Carlsen (born 1990) is widely considered one of the greatest chess players in history. Known as the “Mozart of Chess”, he dominated classical chess for an entire decade.

• World Chess Champion (2013–2023)
• Peak rating: 2882 — highest in history
• Exceptional endgame and positional technique
• Five-time World Rapid and Blitz Champion

Fun fact: Carlsen earned his first sponsorship deal when he was 8 years old for solving a Lego puzzle faster than anyone in the country.

Garry Kasparov (born 1963) dominated world chess for 20 years. His dynamic attacking style and deep opening preparation made him nearly unstoppable.

• World Champion (1985–2000)
• World #1 for 255 months — a record
• Revolutionized modern opening theory
• Famous matches vs. IBM’s Deep Blue

Fun fact: Kasparov wrote “My Great Predecessors”, a series of books considered essential reading for serious players.

Bobby Fischer (1943–2008) is one of the most iconic figures in chess history. His victory over Boris Spassky in 1972 ended 24 years of Soviet dominance.

• World Champion (1972–1975)
• Known for unmatched opening preparation
• Creator of Fischer Random Chess (Chess960)
• Peak rating: 2785 — unheard of at the time

Fun fact: At age 14, Fischer became the youngest US Champion in history.

José Raúl Capablanca (1888–1942) was known as the “Human Chess Machine”. His natural talent and endgame mastery remain legendary.

• World Champion (1921–1927)
• Praised for flawless positional play
• Rarely blundered — nearly impossible to beat
• One of the greatest endgame players ever

Fun fact: Capablanca learned chess by watching his father play — and beat him after only a few days.

Hikaru Nakamura (born 1987) is one of the strongest American players ever. He is known for his creativity, tactics, and unmatched speed chess skills.

• Multiple-time US Champion
• One of the best blitz players in history
• Massively popular chess streamer
• Top competitor in elite supertournaments

Fun fact: Hikaru became a Grandmaster at age 15, breaking Bobby Fischer’s record.

Judit Polgár (born 1976) is the strongest female chess player of all time. She regularly defeated top male grandmasters, proving that chess is a universal game.

• Peak rating: 2735
• Defeated 11 world champions in her career
• Known for dynamic, tactical style
• Pioneer in breaking gender barriers in chess

Fun fact: Judit became a Grandmaster at age 15 years and 4 months — younger than Bobby Fischer.