Viktor Kortchnoi

About the Author

Viktor Kortchnoi, a legendary figure in the world of chess, was a Soviet-born grandmaster renowned for his aggressive and innovative playing style that challenged the dominance of the era's top players. Born in 1931 in Leningrad, he rose to prominence in the mid-20th century, defecting to the West in 1976 to pursue his career free from political constraints, ultimately representing Switzerland. Kortchnoi's career highlights include multiple Candidates Tournament victories and intense rivalries, particularly with Anatoly Karpov, which captivated the global chess community. Beyond the board, he contributed significantly to chess literature, offering deep insights into opening theory and strategic mastery through his authored works. His enduring legacy lies in inspiring generations of players with his unyielding competitive spirit and intellectual rigor, cementing his status as one of the game's all-time greats until his passing in 2016.