Boris Spassky is no more. He died on Thursday. The legacy he created in the chess world will be ever memorable, especially for the 'Match of the Century'! 

The 1972 world title-winning match between Boris Spassky and Bobby Fischer is called the ‘Match of the Century’. A symbol of rivalry between the USA and USSR during the Cold War, the “Match of the Century” was held in Reykjavik, Iceland, and boasted a record-breaking prize pool of $250,000, dwarfing other sports’ rewards. 

The showdown between an American and a Soviet drew unparalleled media coverage, with major outlets present. The match was broadcast to 50 million viewers. The contest lasted 21 games, and Fischer won 12½ to 8½, becoming the eleventh World Chess Champion. This victory propelled chess into the mass media spotlight.

But the Russian had earned the tag of ‘prodigy’ and then a ‘legend’ much before 1972, acquiring the Grandmaster title at 18 only and making his Candidates Tournament debut in 1956 (Amsterdam) at 19! 

After defeating Keres (1965), Geller (1965), and Tal (1965) in the Candidates matches, Spassky earned the qualification to challenge Tigran Petrosian for the world title. Although Boris lost the 1966 match in Moscow, he fought his way back and, three years later, defeated Petrosian in their rematch (Moscow, 1969), becoming the 10th World Chess Champion.

Spassky held the title until 1972, before losing to Fischer in Reykjavik in the iconic match. Still, he continued competing at the highest level, notably reaching the Candidates semifinal in 1974 and the final in 1977. 

A two-time USSR Champion (1961 and 1973), Spassky played for the Soviet team in seven Chess Olympiads (1962–1978), winning 13 medals (team and individual) and scoring 69 points in 94 games (+45−1=48). 

In 1976, he immigrated to France with his third wife, became a French citizen in 1978, and later represented France in three Olympiads (1984–1988) on board one. In 2012, Spassky returned to Russia. 

The first genuinely universal player, Spassky was not an opening specialist, but he excelled in complex and dynamic middlegame positions, where he was in his element.