Viktor Korchnoi (1931–2016) was a formidable Soviet and Swiss chess grandmaster. Achieving the title of Grandmaster in 1956, he competed in multiple Candidates Tournaments but faced obstacles within the Soviet chess establishment. Korchnoi is best known for his intense rivalry with Anatoly Karpov, challenging him in World Championship matches in 1978 and 1981. Defecting from the Soviet Union in 1976, he settled in the Netherlands before becoming a Swiss citizen. Korchnoi's resilient playing style and strategic prowess kept him competitive well into his 70s. He made lasting contributions to chess theory and passed away in 2016, leaving behind a legacy as one of the game's enduring figures.
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