Bobby Fischer

Bobby Fischer (1943–2008) was the most explosive chess prodigy America ever produced, becoming the youngest US Chess Champion at 14 and earning his International Grandmaster title at 15. His 1972 World Championship match against Boris Spassky in Reykjavik — staged at the peak of Cold War tensions — was one of the most-watched sporting events of the decade, with Fischer winning 12.5–8.5 and becoming the first and only American classical world champion. His 1970–71 qualifying run is the most dominant short-term performance in chess history: 20 consecutive wins in international play, followed by 6–0 victories over Candidates Mark Taimanov and Bent Larsen.