José Raúl Capablanca

Born in Havana on November 19, 1888, José Raúl Capablanca was one of chess's great natural talents. Accounts of his early life say he learned the game as a small child by watching his father play, and while still a boy he defeated Cuba's leading player, Juan Corzo. Later, during his time at Columbia University, he joined the Manhattan Chess Club and quickly made a name for himself in top-level competition.

Capablanca became the third official World Chess Champion in 1921, taking the title from Emanuel Lasker. He held it until 1927, when he lost to Alexander Alekhine, but his standing in chess history only grew. Players and historians have long praised his calm style, precise positional judgment, and especially his mastery of the endgame, which made difficult positions look strangely simple.

He died on March 8, 1942, but his influence never faded. Often called "The Human Chess Machine," Capablanca remains a central figure in chess literature, and his best games are still read for both instruction and pleasure.