Bent Larsen achieved a historic milestone in 1966 when he became the first non-Soviet player to defeat a Soviet grandmaster in a match, overcoming Efim Geller in Copenhagen. A Danish grandmaster and writer, he remained a formidable force in international chess for decades, defined by an unorthodox tactical style that consistently challenged the established hierarchies of the sport.
Early Development and Professionalization
Born in 1935 in Tilsted Parish, Denmark, Larsen encountered chess during childhood illness in 1942. His formal competitive career accelerated after moving to Copenhagen at 17, where he abandoned civil engineering studies to pursue professional chess. His breakthrough occurred in 1954 at the Amsterdam Olympiad, where he secured an International Master title. He claimed six Danish Championships between 1954 and 1964, establishing a foundation that earned him the title of International Grandmaster by 1956 following his performance at the Moscow Olympiad.
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Take the IQ test →Challenging Soviet Dominance
During the 1960s and 1970s, Larsen emerged as the second-strongest non-Soviet player behind Bobby Fischer. His competitive strategy relied on risky and unusual openings designed to destabilize opponents. He reached the semifinals of the World Chess Championship Candidates' matches on three occasions. Despite holding multiple victories over world champions including Mikhail Botvinnik, Vasily Smyslov, Mikhail Tal, Tigran Petrosian, Boris Spassky, and Anatoly Karpov, he maintained negative lifetime scores against these players.
International Tournament Success
Larsen maintained a prolific tournament schedule, often outperforming top Soviet grandmasters. His notable successes include winning the 1967 Sousse Interzonal and the 1976 Biel Interzonal. In 1967, he received the inaugural Chess Oscar. His peak performance in the Elo rating system occurred in 1971, when he held an equal-third world ranking alongside Viktor Korchnoi, trailing only Fischer and Spassky. Following his active tournament career, he resided in Buenos Aires and Las Palmas.
Final Years
Larsen balanced his playing career with work as a writer, often contributing to chess literature. He was married to Laura Beatriz Benedini, an Argentinian-born spouse. During his later years, he suffered from diabetes. Larsen passed away in 2010 in Buenos Aires, following a cerebral haemorrhage. His legacy remains tied to his unconventional approach to the game and his ability to compete at the highest level of world chess as a representative of Denmark.
Fast facts
- Born: 1935, Tilsted Parish
- Died: 2010, Buenos Aires
- Chess Oscar: 1967
- Danish Championships: 6 wins
- Citizenship: Kingdom of Denmark
- Career Peak Elo Rank: 3rd (1971)
Questions readers ask
How many times did Bent Larsen play for the World Chess Championship?
He was a candidate for the World Chess Championship on four occasions, reaching the semifinals three times.
What was Bent Larsen's style of play?
He was known for an imaginative and unorthodox style, frequently employing risky openings to disrupt his opponents' preparation.
Achievements
- Competed at 11th Chess Olympiad, 12th Chess Olympiad and 13th Chess Olympiad
- Discipline: chess
