Players

Wesley So’s story: the American grandmaster known for his calm, precise style, his Fischer Random world title, and his rise to the world’s elite.

Ian Nepomniachtchi’s story: the Russian grandmaster and two-time World Championship challenger known for his speed, sharp play, and quick intuition.

Fabiano Caruana’s story: the American grandmaster who challenged for the world title, his incredible 2014 run, and his place among the world’s elite.

Anish Giri’s story: the Dutch super-grandmaster known for his rock-solid play, deep preparation, and sharp sense of humor on social media.

Ding Liren’s story: how the Chinese grandmaster became his country’s first world chess champion, his solid style, and his place in chess history.

Bobby Fischer’s story: the American prodigy who became world champion in 1972, revolutionized chess, and then walked away at the height of his powers.

Mikhail Tal’s sacrificial style made him the Magician of Riga and the youngest world champion of his era — here is what made his attacks so feared.

Kasparov vs Karpov produced five world title matches and 144 games — inside the greatest rivalry in chess history and what made it so intense.

Judit Polgar broke Bobby Fischer’s youngest-GM record and beat world champions — why she is the strongest female chess player in history.

Emanuel Lasker held the world chess championship for 27 years, the longest reign ever — how a fighting, practical style kept him on top so long.