Tigran Petrosian (1929-1984) (jun 17, 1929 – aug 13, 1984)

Description:

Was a Soviet Armenian Grandmaster, and World Chess Champion from 1963 to 1969.

He was nicknamed "Iron Tigran" due to his almost impenetrable defensive playing style, which emphasized safety above all else.

Petrosian was a Candidate for the World Chess Championship on eight occasions (1953, 1956, 1959, 1962, 1971, 1974, 1977 and 1980). He won the World Championship in 1963 (against Mikhail Botvinnik), successfully defended it in 1966 (against Boris Spassky), and lost it to Spassky in 1969.