Efim Bogoljubov

Twice a challenger, twice defeated by Alekhine. Known for his self-confidence and creative play, as captured in his famous quote about winning as White and winning as Black.

Self-Confidence Personified

Efim Dmitriyevich Bogoljubov was born on April 14, 1889, in Kiev. He won major international tournaments in the 1920s, including Berlin 1926 and Bad Homburg 1928, establishing himself as one of the strongest players in the world. His famous declaration captured his self-assurance: "When I am White I win because I am White. When I am Black I win because I am Bogoljubov."

His two World Championship matches against Alekhine (1929 and 1934) both ended in defeat. Alekhine's superior preparation and tactical precision were too much for Bogoljubov's more improvisational approach. But Bogoljubov remained a popular and respected figure in European chess, settling in Germany and continuing to play at a high level until his death in 1952.