There are many things in life that last way longer than we expect them to:

– Vladimir Putin’s presidency
– Titanic movie
– Broken heart

However, none of these things last as long as the life and career of the legendary Russian Grandmaster Yuri Averbakh.

He was born between Mussolini’s march to Rome and Hitler’s march to Munich – in 1922.
He lived through so many horrible historical events. World War II. Cuban Missile Crisis. Vietnam War. Birth of Jose Mourinho. Formation of U2. Appearance of autotune.

And the worst of it all – he survived the pitiful humor attempts of insignificant chess bloggers trying to write about him.

In any case, the oldest Grandmaster in the world is celebrating his 97th(!) birthday today.

And he is still rated ~ 300 points above me.

Happy Birthday Yuri Averbakh!

(If you like posts as these, check our complete list of Chess Birthdays )