Births on April 13

Garry Kasparov, Russian chess player and author

The Enigma of Garry Kasparov: A Chess Legend's Enduring Legacy

Born Garik Kimovich Weinstein on April 13, 1963, in Baku, then part of the Azerbaijan SSR, Garry Kimovich Kasparov, as he is globally known (Russian: Гарри Кимович Каспаров), transcended the realm of chess to become a profound voice in political activism and a respected commentator. His journey, marked by intellectual brilliance and unwavering conviction, solidifies his place not merely as a chess grandmaster but as a multifaceted figure whose influence spans far beyond the 64 squares of a chessboard. Kasparov's peak FIDE rating of 2851, achieved in 1999, stood as an unparalleled benchmark of chess excellence for over a decade, only to be surpassed by Magnus Carlsen in 2013. A testament to his unparalleled dominance, he held the World No. 1 ranking for an astonishing 255 months from 1984 until his retirement in 2005 – a record that remains unsurpassed by any other player in history. His trophy cabinet also boasts an impressive 15 consecutive professional tournament victories and a remarkable 11 Chess Oscars, prestigious awards recognizing the best chess player of the year.

A Reign Defined by Brilliance and Evolution

Kasparov etched his name into the annals of chess history in 1985 when, at just 22 years old, he became the youngest ever undisputed World Chess Champion by defeating the then-reigning champion, Anatoly Karpov. This victory marked the beginning of one of the most iconic rivalries in sports history, with their clashes often seen as battles of contrasting chess philosophies and sheer willpower. Kasparov held the official FIDE world title until 1993, a pivotal year when a significant dispute with FIDE, the international chess federation, led him to establish a rival organization, the Professional Chess Association (PCA). This split resulted in two parallel world championships for several years, with Kasparov holding the "Classical" World Chess Championship title.

His career also included a monumental confrontation that captivated the world: the 1997 match against IBM's Deep Blue supercomputer. In a highly publicized and historic series of games, Kasparov made headlines as the first reigning world champion to lose a match to a computer under standard time controls, a watershed moment that dramatically shifted perceptions about artificial intelligence and its potential. Despite this setback, Kasparov continued to defend his "Classical" World Chess Championship until his defeat by Vladimir Kramnik in 2000. Even after losing the world title, his competitive spirit remained undimmed; he continued to win major tournaments and held the distinction of being the world's highest-rated player when he announced his retirement from professional chess in 2005, stepping away from the game at the pinnacle of his competitive prowess.

From Chessboard to Political Arena: A New Crusade

Following his departure from professional chess, Garry Kasparov dedicated his considerable intellect and energy to the spheres of politics and writing, becoming a prominent voice for democracy and human rights. He founded the United Civil Front movement and became a leading member of The Other Russia, a coalition of opposition parties openly challenging the administration and policies of Vladimir Putin. In 2008, he announced his intention to run as a candidate in the Russian presidential race, a bold move that faced significant hurdles. He subsequently withdrew his candidacy, citing "official obstruction" and logistical problems that he attributed to systemic pressures within the Russian political landscape.

The political climate in Russia intensified, and in the wake of the extensive mass protests that began in 2011, Kasparov made a significant announcement in 2013: he had left Russia for the foreseeable future due to fears of political persecution. This move underscored the gravity of his opposition to the Russian government. Following his departure, he resided with his family in New York City, continuing his advocacy from abroad. In 2014, he further solidified his international presence by obtaining Croatian citizenship and has since maintained a residence in Podstrana, a picturesque town near Split.

Global Advocacy and Contemporary Engagements

Today, Garry Kasparov remains an active and influential public figure on the global stage. He serves as the distinguished chairman of the Human Rights Foundation and also chairs its International Council, dedicating his efforts to promoting fundamental freedoms worldwide. In 2017, he founded the Renew Democracy Initiative (RDI), an American political organization committed to promoting and defending liberal democracy not only within the United States but also internationally, where he continues to serve as its chairman. Furthermore, leveraging his strategic mind and public profile, Kasparov is also a Security Ambassador for the renowned software company Avast, engaging with the evolving landscape of digital security and privacy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Garry Kasparov's full name and origin?

Garry Kimovich Kasparov was born Garik Kimovich Weinstein on April 13, 1963, in Baku, Azerbaijan SSR (then part of the Soviet Union). His Russian name is Гарри Кимович Каспаров.

What are some of Garry Kasparov's key chess records?

He holds the record for the longest tenure as World No. 1 for 255 months, the most consecutive professional tournament victories (15), and the most Chess Oscars (11). His peak rating of 2851 was the highest recorded until 2013.

Who was Garry Kasparov's greatest rival in chess?

His most famous and enduring rivalry was with fellow Russian grandmaster Anatoly Karpov, with whom he played five World Chess Championship matches, significantly shaping the landscape of professional chess for over a decade.

What was the significance of Kasparov's match against Deep Blue?

In 1997, Garry Kasparov became the first reigning world chess champion to lose a match to a computer, IBM's Deep Blue, under standard time controls. This event was a landmark in the history of artificial intelligence and human-machine interaction.

Why did Garry Kasparov leave Russia?

Kasparov left Russia in 2013 due to fears of political persecution, following his outspoken criticism of Vladimir Putin's government and his active involvement in opposition movements like The Other Russia coalition.

What is Garry Kasparov doing now after retiring from professional chess?

Since retiring from chess in 2005, Kasparov has focused on political activism, writing, and advocacy. He chairs the Human Rights Foundation and the Renew Democracy Initiative (RDI) and serves as a Security Ambassador for Avast.