MOSCOW — Boris Spassky, the legendary Soviet chess grandmaster who held the title of World Champion and famously lost it to American rival Bobby Fischer during the iconic "Match of the Century," has died at the age of 88. His passing was confirmed by Emil Sutovsky, the FIDE general director, on February 27, 2025.
Spassky was born on January 30, 1937, in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg), and he became the 10th World Chess Champion when he won the title in 1969. He retained it until 1972, when he faced Fischer in Reykjavik, Iceland, amid the Cold War. The match garnered global attention, not only for its high stakes but also for the political undertones of the time. Fischer's victory brought the U.S. its first world chess title and ended the Soviet Union's long-standing dominance over the game.
Reflecting on Spassky's legacy, Arkady Dvorkovich, president of FIDE, stated, "He was not only one of the greatest players of the Soviet era and the world, but also a true gentleman. His contributions to chess will never be forgotten." Spassky's style of play was described as universal and versatile, excelling especially during complex middlegame positions rather than focusing on specific openings, which made him beloved by fans and fellow players alike.
Former world champion Anatoly Karpov, who faced Spassky during the Candidates tournament of 1974, expressed deep admiration. "For me, Boris Spassky was an entire era for chess. He became most famous, of course, for being the man who handed over the title to Bobby Fischer. But he had chances to win and could have turned the match his way," Karpov said.
Spassky's defeat to Fischer, which ended with Fischer winning 12.5-8.5, was emblematic of the larger geopolitical struggles of the time. Historically, the match has been depicted as more than just about chess—two towering figures representing their superpowers confronted each other. Spassky initially took the lead, winning the first two games before losing the momentum. After Fischer's unexpected comeback, Spassky demonstrated remarkable sportsmanship by applauding Fischer after losing the sixth game, showcasing his character and poise under pressure.
A great loss was felt across the chess community with Spassky's death, emphasized by Russian Chess Federation President Andrei Filatov, who remarked, "A great personality has passed away, generations of chess players have studied and are studying his games and his work. This is a great loss for the country." Spassky was known for his ability to mentor younger players and share rich stories about his experiences, making him both approachable and revered.
Throughout his life, Spassky was involved with international chess events, representing France during three chess Olympiads from 1984 to 1988. His post-Soviet years were spent primarily in Paris until his health began to decline. He remarked on returning to Russia, stating, "It was my desire to return to Russia because my time in France had run its course." After suffering from serious health issues, including a stroke, Spassky’s appearance had changed drastically by the time he returned to Moscow, leaving many who remembered him feeling nostalgic.
Chess fans will recall Spassky as more than just the man who lost to Fischer; he was the oldest living world chess champion prior to his death. His influence extended beyond mere victories and titles. Garry Kasparov, another chess champion, shared sentiments reflecting Spassky’s nurturing nature, underlining how Spassky was always willing to befriend and mentor those who struggled within the rigid confines of Soviet society.
The impact of Spassky’s career resonates well beyond the chessboard. His legendary rivalry with Bobby Fischer sparked documentaries, books, and cultural phenomena—including the acclaimed Netflix series "The Queen’s Gambit," which was inspired by the stories surrounding the 1972 showdown. The legacy he leaves behind continues to shape the world of chess and will inspire generations to come.
Boris Spassky’s story is not just about championships won or lost; it encapsulates the very essence of chess as art, science, and warfare—all rolled together. His charm, intellect, and open-hearted nature created lasting connections, making him not just a champion of chess but also of human spirit.
While we mourn his passing, we celebrate the life of Boris Spassky—a true titan of chess who will forever be remembered for his genius, sportsmanship, and influence on the game we love.