Jose Raul Capablanca

Ranking number five on our list is none other than Jose Raul Capablanca, one of the greatest chess grandmasters in history. Capablanca was the uncontested blitz chess champion! He has impressed the whole world with his distinctive strategy and long-term reign over almost every tournament during his time.

At age 4, Jose Raul Capablanca started his chess career. He beat the Cuban champion at the mere age of 13. And then, at the age of 18, he easily won over Frank Marshall - the US Champion - at 15-8. In 1921, Jose finally won the International Chess Tournament and ended Lasker's years-long reign. And throughout the six consecutive years after that, the new world chess grandmaster successfully defended his title. He played continuously against 103 opponents in 1922, winning 101 games and receiving only one tie!

In 1927, Jose was unfortunately dethroned by Alexander Alekhine, bringing an end to his rule. Later, he participated in further chess tournaments, but he never again achieved his peak and retired in 1931.

It is well-known that during his golden era, Capablanca had exceptional strategic, tactical, and endgame talents. Just as if he were a machine, he was also renowned for his lightning-fast playing pace and unrivaled ability to quickly analyze a situation and choose the optimal move. His endgame strategy was so faultless that he earned the famous title "Chess Machine."

Born: 1888

Nationality: Cuban

World Champion: 1921 - 1927