World Champion #7
1957–1958
Soviet Union
Vasily Smyslov
A brief reign sandwiched between two of Botvinnik's — and a serious opera talent besides.
Photo: Koen Suyk / Anefo (Dutch National Archives) · CC0 1.0 (Public Domain)
Biography
Smyslov defeated Botvinnik for the title in 1957, only to lose the mandatory rematch a year later under the era's rematch-clause rule.
He remained a world-class player for decades afterward, remarkably reaching the Candidates final again in the 1980s — well into his sixties — falling just short of a shot at Kasparov.
Playing Style
Harmonious and technically precise, especially admired for his endgame play and effortless piece coordination.
Notable Games
Smyslov vs. Botvinnik
The match that briefly interrupted Botvinnik's grip on the title.
Fun Facts
- He trained seriously as an opera singer and once auditioned for Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre.
- He reached the Candidates final again in his sixties, decades after his own championship reign.