Mikhail Tal was the 1960 Chess Champion. He was a Latvian-born Soviet Grandmaster and is considered 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 unexpected moves. He won the 1960 World Chess Championship by defeating Mikhail Botvinnik in a match that lasted 23 games. Tal held the title until 1963, when he lost it to Tigran Petrosian.