logo
logo
cover

Mikhail Botvinnik

Russian Chess Grandmaster

cover

Team

Retired

DOB

August 17, 1911

Height / Weight

170 cm (5 ft 7 in) /n 70 kg (154 lbs)

Achievements

6-time World Chess Champion

Summary

Mikhail Botvinnik is a Russian chess player, born on August 17, 1911, in Kuokkala, Grand Duchy of Finland. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players of all time. Botvinnik began his professional career with the Russian Chess Federation and held the World Chess Championship title three times between 1948 and 1963.

Botvinnik is known for his deep thinking, strategic planning, and versatile game style. He has won numerous individual awards and holds multiple records in the world of chess.

Off the board, Botvinnik is also recognized for his significant contributions to computer chess and chess education, inspiring millions worldwide.

Career

Early Career

  • Youth and Early Career: Botvinnik was born and raised in Kuokkala and started playing chess at the age of 12. He made his first significant achievement by winning the Leningrad Championship in 1931.

World Chess Champion

  • Initial Success: Botvinnik won his first World Chess Championship in 1948. He held the title three times in his career, with the last one in 1963.

Post-Championship Career

  • Later Success: Even after losing the championship, Botvinnik remained an active player and contributed significantly to the development of computer chess.
International Career

International Achievements

  • Botvinnik represented the Soviet Union in the Chess Olympiads, helping the team to win multiple gold medals.
  • He also competed in several international tournaments, securing victories in notable events like the AVRO tournament in 1938.
Style of Play
  • Style: Botvinnik was known for his well-planned strategy and deep analysis. He was celebrated for his versatile style, understanding of positional play, and endgame skill.
Personal Life
  • Family: Botvinnik was married to Gayane Davidovna, and they had a daughter named Olga.
  • Education: Apart from his chess career, Botvinnik was also a trained electrical engineer.
Legacy
  • Mikhail Botvinnik is celebrated not only for his extraordinary talent and numerous records but also for his contributions to computer chess and chess education. His impact on the game and his status as an icon extend beyond the chessboard, inspiring millions of fans around the world.
Awards and Recognition

World Chess Championships:

  • Three-time World Chess Champion (1948, 1951, 1954)

AVRO Tournament:

  • Winner in 1938

Chess Olympiads:

  • Multiple gold medalist representing the Soviet Union.
References

Books

  • Botvinnik, M. (1970) Achieving the Aim. Oxford University Press.
  • Kasparov, G. (2003) My Great Predecessors: Garry Kasparov on Mikhael Botvinnik. Everyman Chess.

Websites

Articles

Interviews and Documentaries

  • Botvinnik's Secret Games (2000): Directed by Jan Timman. This documentary provides a detailed look at Botvinnik’s life and career.
Mikhail Botvinnik image
Full name
Mikhail Moiseyevich Botvinnik
Born
1911-08-17
Place of birth
Kuokkala, Grand Duchy of Finland, Russian Empire
Position(s)
Grandmaster, International Master, World Champion
Current team
Retired
Youth career
1923 - 1927 Petersburg Chess Club
Senior career
1927 - 1970 Soviet Union national chess team
International career
1931 - 1970 FIDE World Chess Championship
Social Media
FacebookXInstagram

Share

logo
About Us

Becoming a leading global provider of digital solutions and services for the sports industry, enabling our clients to achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

 

We aspire to be a trusted partner and advisor to our clients, leveraging our expertise and passion for sports to help them succeed in a rapidly changing market.

Follow Us
Powered By
Collaborate with