Mikhail Tal "the Magician from Riga" - World Chess Champion

Mikhail Tal was the 8th World Chess Champion and believed to be the fiercest attacking player ever to hold the title.  He won the Soviet Championship in 1957 and 1958.  He also won the 1958 Interzonal Tournament and the 1959 Candidates Tournament, and became the then youngest World Chess Champion in 1960.

Tal was known as “the Magician from Riga" and inspired many players by his highly creative and explosive style.  His legacy lives on in his numerous writings and in the Mikhail Tal Memorial tournament, which features many of the world’s strongest players.

Tal is credited for the following famous chess quote:

"You must take your opponent into a deep dark forest where 2+2=5, and where the path leading out is only wide enough for one"

For additional information and famous game of Mikhail Tal.

Source: World Chess Hall of Fame