Mikhail Botvinnik

The sixth World Champion and patriarch of the Soviet chess school, Mikhail Botvinnik was a methodical, scientific player who emphasized rigorous preparation and physical fitness. He held the title, with two brief interruptions, from 1948 to 1963. Botvinnik founded a famous chess school that produced future champions like Karpov and Kasparov. His games are models of strategic planning and deep opening analysis.

As an electrical engineer, he pioneered early computer chess programs. His systematic approach to training and competition laid the foundation for decades of Soviet and Russian dominance.