#Classical Era

The first official World Chess Championship match — Wilhelm Steinitz defeats Johannes Zukertort across three American cities to become the inaugural world champion.

Capablanca takes the title from Lasker without losing a game — ending the longest reign in championship history at 27 years.

The longest world championship match in history — Alekhine defeats Capablanca in 34 games over 73 days in Buenos Aires.

The Cuban world champion whose endgame technique became the benchmark for clarity in chess. He lost fewer games than any champion before or since.