Anatoly Karpov: The 2nd Best Russian Chess GM

Fun history, before Kasparov their was the now defeated Anatoly Karpov. Karpov tied with Spassky as the youngest Soviet National Master, and not only that, but he was one of the known people who made Russia notorious for how well known it is in the chess world.

Now Karpov didn't get to play Fischer for a World Championship title, though he really wanted to. Likely based off of elo ratings and in game statistics, as well as Karpov's performance against Kasparov, chances are he would have severely lost. So why would Fischer not have a match against Karpov? Well as many of you remember, Fischer wanted a private live and many people believe he was suffering underlying mental illnesses or some sort of trauma. That being said, while Fischer is the greatest, Karpov is still one of the greats among the chess world.