About
Boris Gelfand is a Belarusian and Israeli chess grandmaster. He is recognized as one of the strongest players never to win the World Chess Championship. Gelfand has been a top-ranked player for decades, consistently competing at the highest levels of the chess world. He is known for his deep understanding of chess theory and his tenacious defensive skills.
Career Timeline
Awarded Grandmaster Title
Became a Grandmaster, marking his entry into the elite level of chess.
Interzonal Tournament Winner
Won the Interzonal Tournament, qualifying for the Candidates Tournament.
Chess World Cup Winner
Won the Chess World Cup, solidifying his place among the top chess players.
World Championship Challenger
Challenged Viswanathan Anand for the World Championship title, increasing his fame and earnings.
Alekhine Memorial Tournament Victory
Won the Alekhine Memorial Tournament, demonstrating continued strong performance.
Respected Chess Grandmaster
Continues to play and teach chess, respected for his deep understanding and contributions to the game.
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Last updated: February 25, 2026