Mikhail Botvinnik was a prominent Soviet chess player and world champion, known for his contributions to chess theory and training. Born on August 17, 1911, in Baku, he became the World Chess Champion three times: in 1948, 1951, and 1954. Botvinnik was also a key figure in the development of the Soviet chess school, influencing many future champions. In addition to his chess career, Botvinnik was an electrical engineer and a professor, showcasing his intellectual versatility. He played a significant role in popularizing chess in the Soviet Union and was a mentor to several notable players, including Anatoly Karpov and Garry Kasparov.