Wilhelm Steinitz

17.5.1836 - 12.8.1900

Wilhelm (later William) Steinitz (17.5. 1836 – 12.8. 1900) was an Austrian (Czech, born in Prague) and later American chess Master player, and the first undisputed World Chess Champion from 1886 to 1894. He was also a highly influential writer and chess theoretician.

Steinitz lost his title to Emanuel Lasker in 1894, and also lost a rematch in 1896–97. Steinitz was unbeaten in match play for 32 years, from 1862 to 1894. As a chess professional he played at all important international chess tournaments since 1962. Steinitz was also a prolific writer on chess, and discussing new ideas vigorously. He was the target of anti-Semitic abuse, and moved to the United States in 1883 to escape this. He died in 1900.