Best World Champion

The modern benchmark of excellence, Magnus Carlsen redefined dominance in the computer age. He holds the highest classical rating in history (2882) and was World Champion from 2013 to 2023, choosing t...

The fourth World Champion, Alexander Alekhine was a dynamic, combative player known for his deep preparation and love of complex positions. He is the only champion to die while holding the title. Alek...

Viswanathan Anand, India's first grandmaster, was a dominant force in world chess for over a quarter-century. He became World Champion in 2007 and defended his title successfully until 2013. Known as...

Emanuel Lasker held the World Championship title for 27 years (1894-1921), a record for the longest reign. He was a profound thinker who approached chess as a struggle, often making psychologically ch...

The 'Magician from Riga,' Mikhail Tal was the eighth World Champion and the ultimate attacking player. His style was based on intuitive, chaotic sacrifices that created immense practical problems over...

The third World Champion, Capablanca was a natural talent whose seemingly effortless style baffled opponents. He went eight years without losing a serious game. His play was defined by profound positi...

Widely considered the greatest player in history, Garry Kasparov dominated chess for over two decades. He became the youngest undisputed World Champion in 1985 and held the #1 ranking for 255 months,...

Bryan Habana is one of the most prolific try-scorers in rugby history. His blistering pace and defensive work rate made him a vital component of the South African team that won the 2007 Rugby World Cu...

George Gregan was the ultimate general on the rugby field. As a scrum-half for the Wallabies, his tactical kicking, passing accuracy, and leadership were second to none. He was instrumental in Austral...

Martin Johnson was the ultimate enforcer and leader. As a lock, he provided the physical foundation for England's 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning side. Johnson was not just a powerful forward; he was a m...

Brodie Retallick redefined what it means to be a modern lock. While he possesses the size and strength required for the set-piece, his skill set is more akin to that of a back. Retallick is an excepti...

The fiery Bulgarian grandmaster, Veselin Topalov, was FIDE World Champion from 2005-2006 and reached the pinnacle of the rating list in 2006. Known for his ultra-aggressive, risk-taking style, he was...

Victor Matfield is widely regarded as the greatest lineout technician in the history of rugby. His ability to read the opposition's lineout and steal ball was unparalleled, making him a vital asset fo...

Mark 'Occy' Occhilupo is the ultimate comeback story in surfing. After a period of personal struggle and time away from the professional tour, he returned to win the world title in 1999 at the age of...

Stephen Larkham was a fly-half of rare vision and grace. Originally a fullback, he transitioned to the number 10 jersey and brought a unique perspective to the position. Larkham was known for his abil...

The 12th World Champion, Anatoly Karpov possessed a boa-constrictor style that suffocated opponents with subtle positional pressure. He held the title for ten years (1975-1985) and dominated the 1970s...

Joost van der Westhuizen was a scrum-half who played with the heart of a lion. He was known for his explosive speed, his ability to score tries from anywhere, and his fearless defensive play. Joost wa...

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, wi...

Ma'a Nonu evolved from a raw, explosive runner into one of the most complete inside centers in the history of the game. His physical power allowed him to break tackles at will, but it was his improved...

Joel 'Parko' Parkinson is widely considered one of the most naturally gifted and stylish surfers to ever compete on the world tour. A world champion, his surfing is characterized by smooth, flowing li...

David Campese was the ultimate maverick of the rugby world. Known for his 'goose-step' and his creative, often risky, attacking play, he was a nightmare for defenders. Campese was a key member of the...

Kieran Read was the engine room of the All Blacks for over a decade. As a number 8, he possessed an incredible work rate, excellent handling skills, and a high level of tactical intelligence. Read was...

Italo Ferreira is a world champion and the first-ever Olympic gold medalist in men's surfing. Known for his high-energy, explosive style, Ferreira is one of the most exciting surfers to watch on the w...

The 10th World Champion, Boris Spassky is best known as the stoic defender of the title against Bobby Fischer in the 1972 'Match of the Century.' However, he was a formidable champion in his own right...

Beauden Barrett is one of the most exciting attacking players in the history of rugby. With his blistering pace and ability to spot gaps, he has scored some of the most memorable tries in the modern g...

The 14th World Classical Chess Champion, Vladimir Kramnik famously ended Garry Kasparov's 15-year reign in 2000 without losing a game. Known for his profound positional understanding and the 'Kramnik...