Mikhail Tal was a Latvian-born Soviet chess grandmaster and the eighth World Chess Champion. He is widely regarded as a creative genius and one of the best attacking players of all time. Tal won the World Championship in 1960, defeating Mikhail Botvinnik, and held the title until 1961. He was known as 'The Magician from Riga' for his tactical brilliance and extraordinary endgame skill. Tal's style was characterized by a relentless assault on the opponent's position, often sacrificing material to open lines and create attacking chances.