Max Euwe

The amateur who shocked the chess world by defeating Alekhine. Mathematician, teacher, and the only World Champion who held a full-time job during his reign.

The Gentleman Champion

Machgielis (Max) Euwe was born on May 20, 1901, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. He was a mathematician by profession, earning his doctorate in 1926, and taught mathematics at a secondary school throughout his chess career. He was, in the truest sense, an amateur chess player, competing not for money but for love of the game.

In 1935, Euwe challenged Alexander Alekhine for the World Championship. Alekhine was the heavy favorite: he was a professional player at the peak of his powers, while Euwe was a schoolteacher who played chess in his spare time. But Euwe, well-prepared and playing with calm precision, defeated Alekhine 15.5-14.5 in a 30-game match. The victory sent shockwaves through the chess world.

Euwe's reign was brief. Alekhine, having addressed his drinking problems and prepared more thoroughly, won the 1937 rematch 15.5-9.5. But Euwe's achievement was remarkable: he remains the only amateur to win the World Championship, and he did it by out-preparing a player widely considered the most talented in the world.

Euwe served as President of FIDE from 1970 to 1978, overseeing the expansion of international chess and the stabilization of the World Championship cycle. He died on November 26, 1981, in Amsterdam, at the age of 80.

"Strategy requires thought, tactics require observation." — Max Euwe