Wilhelm Steinitz was an Austrian-American chess player, born on May 14, 1836, in Prague. He is often regarded as the first official World Chess Champion, having held the title from 1886 to 1894. Steinitz was a pioneer in chess theory, emphasizing the importance of positional play and strategic planning over mere tactical calculations. Steinitz's contributions to chess include the development of the Steinitz Defense and his writings on the game, which laid the groundwork for modern chess strategy. He passed away on August 12, 1900, in New York City, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of chess.