Boris Spassky, the tenth world chess champion, passed away at the age of 88, marking the end of an era for the chess community. His death was announced on February 27, 2025, by Andrey Filatov, the president of the Russian Chess Federation. Spassky, born on January 30, 1937, in Leningrad, made significant contributions to chess and left behind a remarkable legacy.
Following his evacuation during World War II, Spassky began to immerse himself in chess. At just five years old, he joined the chess circle at the Palace of Pioneers and began his lifelong passion. By 1955, he had already made history by winning the World Junior Championship and becoming the youngest grandmaster at the time. Spassky’s rise to prominence was swift, and he quickly became known as one of the most formidable chess players.
Spassky reached the pinnacle of his career when he won the world championship title by defeating fellow Soviet grandmaster Tigran Petrosian in 1969 with a score of 12.5 to 10.5. This victory established him as the tenth world chess champion, and he became widely celebrated for his style and ingenuity on the board.
His title reign was relatively short-lived; just three years later, he entered what would be known as the “Match of the Century” against American chess legend Bobby Fischer in Reykjavik. Despite leading initially, Spassky lost the match with a score of 8.5 to 12.5, marking the first time the world chess crown left the Soviet Union and went to the United States.
Reflecting on his career, Spassky remarked about the immense pressure he felt as world champion, saying, "You can’t even begin to understand the relief I felt when I stopped being the world champion. Those years were the hardest of my life." Despite the loss, he acknowledged Fischer's superiority, stating, "From a chess perspective, Fischer was already stronger than me; the time had come for him."
Despite his early success, Spassky moved to France in 1976, marrying a French embassy worker, and became heavily involved with the French chess community, even leading the French national team at several chess Olympiads. He continued to compete until the 1990s before significantly reducing his participation in major competitions.
His contributions extended beyond competitive play. Spassky was known for his engaging nature and ability to inspire future generations of chess players. Andrey Filatov expressed the sentiment widely shared by the chess community, emphasizing Spassky's role as a teacher and inspiration to many. Filatov stated, “A great personality has departed; his games and creativity continue to teach generations of chess players. A significant loss for the country.”
“Boris Vasilyevich lived in Moscow, and I had been in contact with his family; they called me recently to inform me of his passing. All the brilliant epithets applicable to him are true. He was the tenth world champion, and I knew him, not just through books; it was always interesting to talk to him,” commented Alexander Tkachev, the executive director of the Russian Chess Federation.
Born during tumultuous times, Spassky’s childhood was shaped by the harsh realities of war. His early experiences during the siege of Leningrad and subsequent evacuation greatly influenced his approach to life and chess. He began learning chess formally at the age of five and was inspired by older players, gradually honing his skills under the guidance of notable trainers, including Alexander Tolush.
His exploits on the international stage started with his first game against Fischer, which he won, signaling the beginning of many challenging confrontations. The chess world remembers him not just for his accolades but also for his thoughtful reflections on the game and his opponents. Spassky was known to admire great players of the past, including Alexander Alekhine and Mikhail Tal. He often spoke of Alekhine as "the most impressive Russian chess player, with his pure thought and tactical plans."
Even beyond chess, Spassky had diverse interests, enjoying literature, music, and sports. He often drew inspiration from the fields of arts, connecting his love for chess with his broader cultural interests. He could passionately discuss everything from operatic performances to the literary giants of 19th-century Russia.
The chess community is mourning the loss of one of its greatest figures. Spassky’s legacy will resonate through the generations, ensuring his name will remain synonymous with the rich history of chess. On his passing, tributes poured in from all corners of the world, celebrating not only his achievements but also the respect and camaraderie he inspired among fellow players. A grandmaster who transcended the chessboard, Boris Spassky will be remembered not only for the games he won but also for the spirit of engagement, curiosity, and dedication he brought to the game of chess.
Returning to Russia after several decades abroad, Spassky continued to take part in the chess scene until his health began to decline. His impact reached far beyond merely winning titles; he played a pivotal role in bridging cultural gaps within the chess world and inspiring both amateurs and professionals alike.
With his passing, the chess community has lost not only the tenth world champion but also one of its most charismatic figures, leaving behind not just records but countless fond memories among those who had the honor of knowing him.