Machgielis (Max) Euwe

5th World Champion,

Max Euwe was born in Watergrafsmeer, The Netherlands in 1901. Both of Euwe's parents played chess and he grew up with the game.

He was a professor of mathematics and mechanics and chess took second place to his professional life, and remained an amateur throughout his chess playing career. He held the World Championship title between 1935 and 1937 after defeating Alekhine.

After his academic retirement he was president of FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Echecs) from 1970 to 1978 and arbitrated over the turbulent Fischer - Spassky World Championship match in Reykjavik, Iceland in 1972.