#5 World Chess Champion
Max Euwe – 5th World Chess Champion
A brilliant theoretician and educator, Euwe became World Champion in 1935 by defeating Alexander Alekhine, proving that scientific preparation could overcome raw genius.
- Country: Netherlands
- Title reign: 1935–1937
- Style: Classical, scientific preparation, technical clarity
Overview
Max Euwe was unique among World Chess Champions in that he combined elite-level play with an academic career in mathematics. His approach to chess emphasized logic, structure, and objective evaluation.
Euwe reached the pinnacle of chess in 1935 by defeating Alexander Alekhine in a long, grueling match. Although he lost the title in the 1937 rematch, his victory remains one of the most significant upsets in World Championship history.
World Championship highlights
- Defeated Alexander Alekhine in 1935 to become World Chess Champion.
- Successfully held the title for two years before losing the 1937 rematch.
- Became the first Dutch World Chess Champion.
- Balanced championship-level chess with a full academic and teaching career.
Playing style & legacy
Euwe’s style was rooted in classical principles and careful analysis. He valued sound openings, clear plans, and precise endgame technique, often steering games into positions where understanding outweighed intuition.
Beyond the board, Euwe’s legacy is immense. He authored influential chess textbooks and later served as President of FIDE, helping guide the organization through a critical period in modern chess history.