Kasparov

Garry Kasparov, born 13 April 1963 in Baku, Azerbaijan SSR, is a Russian-American chess grandmaster widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the game. He became the youngest ever undisputed World Chess Champion in 1985 after defeating Anatoly Karpov and held the title until 1993, when a dispute with FIDE led him to form the Professional Chess Association (PCA). Kasparov dominated competitive chess for two decades, frequently occupying the world No. 1 spot.

His peak rating of 2851, achieved in 1999, stood as a record at the time, and he maintained the top ranking for many years, contributing to advances in opening theory and preparation. He remained a leading figure in global chess until his retirement from professional competition in 2005 following a high-profile match.

Beyond chess, Kasparov has been active as a writer, commentator, and political activist. He has authored books on strategy, chess, and politics, and has supported democratic reform and human rights initiatives, founding or backing organizations devoted to these issues. He has also participated in public discourse on geopolitics and the social impact of technology.

Kasparov's legacy extends beyond his competitive results; he is credited with popularizing chess globally and with stimulating discussion of artificial intelligence, strategy, and governance. He has lived in several countries since the dissolution of the Soviet Union and remains a prominent public figure in chess and public life.