Boris Spassky is a Russian chess grandmaster, born on January 30, 1937, in Leningrad, now known as Saint Petersburg. He became the World Chess Champion in 1969 by defeating Tigran Petrosian. Spassky is known for his versatile playing style, combining aggressive tactics with strategic depth. Spassky's reign as champion lasted until 1972 when he lost to Bobby Fischer in a highly publicized match that became a symbol of the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. Throughout his career, Spassky has contributed significantly to chess, both as a player and a promoter of the game.