The 1960-61 Chess Champion was Mikhail Tal, a Latvian Grandmaster who was widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players of all time. Tal was known for his attacking style of play and his ability to come up with creative solutions to complex problems. He won the World Chess Championship in 1960-61, becoming the youngest ever world champion at the age of 23. Tal held the title until 1963, when he was defeated by Tigran Petrosian. Tal continued to be a major force in the chess world until his death in 1992.