Who Is Boris Spassky? Age, Biography and Wiki
Boris Spassky was born on January 30, 1937, in Leningrad, Russia (now St. Petersburg). He gained international fame as one of the greatest chess players of the 20th century. Spassky’s career is marked by his creative and aggressive playing style, and he was the World Chess Champion from 1969 until 1972 when he faced Bobby Fischer in one of the most famous world championship matches in history. Spassky's legacy as a pioneering figure in chess continues to inspire new generations of players.
| Occupation | Chess Player |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 30, 1937 |
| Age | 88 Years |
| Birth Place | Leningrad, Soviet Union |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | Russia |
| Date of death | 27 February, 2025 |
| Died Place | Moscow, Russia |
Popularity
Boris Spassky's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Boris Spassky stood at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall. While specific details about his weight and other body measurements as of 2025 are not widely documented, his physical presence was often overshadowed by his intellectual prowess and strategic genius on the chessboard.
Spassky's reign as world champion lasted for three years, as he lost to Fischer of the United States in 1972 in the World Chess Championship 1972, popularly known as the Match of the Century.
The contest took place in Reykjavík, Iceland, at the height of the Cold War, and consequently was seen as symbolic of the political confrontation between the two superpowers. Spassky accommodated many demands by Fischer, including moving the third game into a side room. The Fischer vs.
Spassky world championship was the most widely covered chess match in history, reported upon by mainstream media throughout the world. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger spoke with Fischer urging him to play the match, and chess was at its apex.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Spassky's personal life has seen various changes over the years. He has been married multiple times and is known to have a deep appreciation for family. As of 2025, there is limited public information regarding his dating life or current relationship status. However, he has been known to maintain a close bond with his family, which has played a significant role in his life outside of chess.
His father, Vasili Vladimirovich Spassky, served in the military. He came from the family of Vladimir Alexandrovich Spassky, a prominent Russian Orthodox priest of the Kursk Governorate, later a protoiereus of the Russian Church (since 1916), as well as a State Duma deputy (1912–1917) and an active member of the Union of the Russian People.
Boris's mother Ekaterina Petrovna Spasskaya (née Petrova) was a school teacher. After some time Daria Ivanovna fled to St. Petersburg, leaving her daughter with Petr Vasiliev, a relative of hers, who raised Ekaterina under the surname of Petrova. She joined her mother later on.
Net Worth and Salary
As a renowned chess grandmaster, Boris Spassky's net worth has seen significant growth over the years. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is around $5 million. This wealth is largely attributed to his prize winnings from competitions, coaching, writing books on chess, and various endorsements in the chess community. His influence and historical significance in the chess world continue to ensure his financial stability.
Career, Business and Investments
Spassky's chess career began at an early age, quickly rising through the ranks to compete at the highest levels. In addition to his world championship title, he has participated in numerous international tournaments, winning many prestigious titles. Beyond competitive chess, Spassky has authored several books and contributed to chess theory, enhancing the game’s understanding and appreciation. His long-term investments in various chess-related ventures and educational programs for aspiring players have also helped solidify his legacy and financial stability.
As a statistic encompassing all of the games of his career, Spassky's most-played openings with both the White and Black pieces were the Sicilian Defence and the Ruy Lopez.
Social Network
In recent years, Boris Spassky has remained somewhat active on social media, connecting with chess fans and fellow enthusiasts. Platforms such as Twitter and Instagram offer a glimpse into his thoughts and ongoing passion for chess. Despite being a private individual, his contributions to the chess community are celebrated and often shared among fans, allowing him to maintain a presence in the modern chess scene.
Spassky's failure to qualify for the Portoroz Interzonal came after a last-round defeat at the hands of Mikhail Tal, in a nervy game in the 1958 Soviet championship, held at Riga. Spassky had the advantage for much of the game, but missed a difficult win after adjournment, then declined a draw.
A win would have qualified Spassky for the Interzonal, and a draw would have ensured a share of fourth place with Yuri Averbakh, with qualification possible via a playoff.
Education
Boris Spassky's education primarily focused on his chess training and the study of strategies, tactics, and theories related to the game. While specific details about his formal education are scarce, his upbringing in a family that valued intellectual pursuits greatly influenced his sharp analytical skills and understanding of chess dynamics. Over the years, he has blended his life experiences and intellectual knowledge into a profound narrative that enriches the teaching and learning of chess.
Spassky learned to play chess at the age of five on a train evacuating from Leningrad during the siege of Leningrad in World War II. During the war, he was sent to an orphanage in Siberia. He first drew wide attention in 1947 at age 10, when he defeated Soviet champion Mikhail Botvinnik in a simultaneous exhibition in Leningrad.
Spassky's early coach was Vladimir Zak, a respected master and trainer. During his youth, from the age of 10, Spassky often worked on chess for several hours a day with master-level coaches. He set records as the youngest Soviet player to achieve first category rank (age 10), candidate master rank (age 11), and Soviet Master rank (age 15).
In 1952, at 15, Spassky scored 50 percent in the Soviet Championship semi-final at Riga, and placed second in the Leningrad Championship that same year, for which he was highly praised by Botvinnik.
