Top 50 Chess Players: Peter Leko
Coming in at the 47th spot on our list of the Top 50 Chess Players of all time is Peter Leko!
The Basics of Peter Leko
Full Name: Peter Leko (Lékó Péter- Hungarian)
DOB: September 8, 1979 (Former Yugoslavia)
Highest Fide Rating: 2763 (31st highest of all time)
The Story of Peter Leko
Born into an ethnic Hungarian family Peter started playing chess at the age of seven. Leko showed early promise as a youngster and achieved IM status at 12 and GM at 14. The young Hungarian continued to rise among the ranks, posting impressive scores at various international tournaments.
Peter Leko’s most notable achievement was challenging Vladimir Kramnik in the 2004 Classical World Championship. Leko went into the final contest of the 14-game match leading 7-6 but ultimately lost the game and the title. Kramnik played the aggressive Caro-Kann line that ultimately broke down Leko’s defenses threatening checkmate. Per the rules of 2004, a 7-7 tie allowed Kramnik to retain his title as the “Classical World Champion”.
Though Leko played in many more international tournaments he never again contented for the top prize in worldwide chess. As of 2017, Leko has turned to coaching and is currently mentoring a promising young German player Vincent Keymer.
The Extras of Peter Leko
Funny Anecdote
Cool Fact
Leko was the youngest player (at the time) to achieve grandmaster status at 14 years, 4 months, and 22 days. Do you know who currently holds the title?
You play like Peter Leko if
- You avoid unnecessary risks on the chessboard
- You enjoy studying opening techniques
- Many of your games end in a draw
Famous Game by Leko
2004 World Chess Championship- 14th game
Coming next time on our list of the Top 50 Chess Players of all time is Reuben Fine!
Featured image held by creative common license
