Johannes Zukertort

The first official World Championship challenger. A polymath who spoke a dozen languages, edited a newspaper, and led 4-1 before collapsing against Steinitz in one of chess's most dramatic reversals.

The First Challenger

Johannes Hermann Zukertort was born on September 7, 1842, in Lublin, then part of Poland. He was a genuine polymath: he spoke at least a dozen languages, had studied medicine, was an accomplished pianist and swordfighter, and had worked as a political journalist. His chess talent was just one facet of a brilliant, restless mind.

The 1886 match against Steinitz in New York, St. Louis, and New Orleans was the first officially recognized World Championship. Zukertort started brilliantly, leading 4-1. Then the physical and mental toll of competitive chess in the 19th century (no rest days, grueling conditions) caught up with him. He lost game after game, eventually falling 10-5. His collapse was so severe that some observers feared for his life. He died two years later at age 45.