Alexander Beliavsky – "Big Al"

Alexander Beliavsky is a legendary Grandmaster who was a titan of the Soviet School of Chess. He remains one of the most respected players and coaches in the world.

He won the USSR Championship four times (1974, 1980, 1987, 1990). Winning this tournament was often considered harder than winning the World Championship Candidates cycle.

He is defined by his fighting spirit. Beliavsky is a classical player who seeks the absolute truth in every position. He is known for his excellent endgame technique and direct attacking play.

Yes, in his later years, he became a world-class trainer, coaching superstars like Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and the Muzychuk sisters.

Winning the Soviet Championship once was a career-defining achievement. Beliavsky did it four times, joining the ranks of Botvinnik, Tal, and Petrosian.

He burst onto the scene by winning the World Junior title, signaling his arrival as a future elite GM.

He has beaten Smyslov, Tal, Petrosian, Spassky, Karpov, Kasparov, Khalifman, Kramnik, and Carlsen (in rapid/blitz) throughout his long career.

He won one of the strongest tournaments of the era, finishing ahead of World Champion Anatoly Karpov.

He reached the Candidates Matches in the 1980s, losing to eventual winner Garry Kasparov in 1983.

Beliavsky famously refused to make quick draws. His fighting spirit earned him the respect of fans and peers alike.

He was a key member of the mighty Soviet team that won Gold at the Chess Olympiads in 1982, 1984, 1988, and 1990.

For a brief period in the early 80s, Beliavsky was one of the few players who could trade punches with Kasparov on equal terms.

Like many Soviet school graduates, his endgame technique is impeccable, often converting microscopic advantages.

He served as a second for MVL, helping the Frenchman reach the elite 2800 club.

He has played for the USSR, Ukraine, and currently represents Slovenia on the top board.

He has written highly regarded books on the endgame and opening strategy.

With White, he was a lethal expert in the Ruy Lopez (Spanish Game), winning countless games in main lines.

He continued to play at a 2600+ level well into his 60s, a testament to his deep understanding of the game.

He was a joint winner of the prestigious Hoogovens tournament (now Tata Steel) in 1984.

He holds the highest coaching title awarded by the World Chess Federation.

As Black, he was extremely difficult to beat using solid defenses like the Caro-Kann and Queen's Gambit Declined.

Known for his iron nerves, he often thrived in high-pressure last-round situations.

He successfully coached the Ukrainian Women's team, one of the strongest in the world.

His nickname reflects his status as a giant of the chess world, both in stature and in skill.