Boris Spassky, Soviet chess champ who lost Cold War’s ‘Match of the Century,’ dies at 88

Soviet chess champion Boris Spassky during a contest, UK, 11th July 1973. (Photo by Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Boris Spassky, former world chess champion, died in Moscow at 88. He was best known for his 1972 "Match of the Century" loss to Bobby Fischer.

The International Chess Federation called Spassky "one of the greatest players of all time." MOSCOW - Boris Spassky, the Soviet-era chess champion best remembered for his historic 1972 match against Bobby Fischer, has died in Moscow at the age of 88, the International Chess Federation announced Thursday. No cause of death was given.



Spassky, widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players of all time, held the world championship title from 1969 to 1972 before losing to Fischer in a Cold War-era showdown that captivated audiences worldwide. The event, known as the "Match of the Century," was held in Reykjavik, Iceland, and marked the first time an American claimed the world chess title. What they're saying: The International Chess Federation, which oversees the game globally, said Spassky "left an indelible mark on the game" and was instrumental in shaping the sport.

Former world champion Garry Kasparov reflected on Spassky’s influence, writing on X (formerly Twitter) that Spassky "was never above befriending and mentoring the next generation, especially those of us who, like him, didn’t fit comfortably into the Soviet machine." Spassky, who emigrated to France in 1976, was known for his versatile playing style and adaptability. Yugoslav grandmaster Svetozar Gligoric once noted that Spassky’s strength "lay in his colossal skill in adapting himself to the different styles of his opponents," according to The Washington Post.

The backstory: His 1972 loss to Fischer was more than just a chess match—it became a symbolic battle between the United States and the Soviet Union, with Fischer’s victory marking a major upset in the Soviet-dominated world of chess. Fischer, known for his controversial personality and reclusive nature, died in 2008. The International Chess Federation called Spassky’s match with Fischer one of the most iconic moments in chess history, cementing his place among the game’s all-time greats.

The Source: This report is based on information from the Associated Press, statements from the International Chess Federation, historical analysis from The Washington Post, and comments from former world champion Garry Kasparov. This story was reported from Los Angeles..