Paul Morphy

Considered the first unofficial World Champion and perhaps the greatest prodigy, Paul Morphy dominated chess in the late 1850s. After crushing all competition in the First American Chess Congress, he traveled to Europe and defeated every leading master, often in stunning attacking style. His famous 'Opera Game' is a masterpiece of rapid development and attack. Morphy understood principles of piece activity and open positions far ahead of his time.

His career was tragically short, as he retired from serious play due to a lack of worthy opponents, leaving a legacy of untapped potential.