When it comes to figuring out who the best chess player of all time is, it is likely that there is one name that has already come to your mind, especially if you were growing up in America during the release of the Hollywood film entitled, “Searching for Bobby Fischer”. Although definitely one of the best players in the history of the game, he may not have been the absolute best, all-around player to grace the chess board.

Garry Kasparov

There was another player who won more world chess championships than anyone else and is still considered by most to be one of the most influential players of all time. He may not be the best of the best when compared to all the greats, but based on several factors he can be held near the very top. Garry Kasparov held the World Championship for about 15 years, from 1985 to 2000, and was the first chess player to play against and defeat the chess-playing super computers that were developed to learn how these types of players got so good. There have been many players with whom Kasparov has had very close matches, but during his reign as champion he was always able to defeat any and all challengers with almost inhuman ease.The list of notable players is long, and to truly define a best player that has ever existed is quite impossible, due to all the variables at play that are used to determine greatness. However, despite the obvious challenges that go with finding the true best, Garry Kasparov remains one of our favourites.