# Alexei Shirov

> Latvian-Spanish chess player (born 1972)

**Wikidata**: [Q214713](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q214713)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexei_Shirov)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/alexei-shirov

## Summary
Alexei Shirov is a Latvian-Spanish chess player born in 1972, known for his exceptional skill and contributions to the game. He is a former World Chess Champion and a prominent figure in competitive chess, recognized for his strategic depth and technical mastery.

## Biography
- Born: July 4, 1972
- Nationality: Latvia, Spain
- Education: Not specified in the source material
- Known for: Being a World Chess Champion and a leading competitive chess player
- Employer(s): Not specified in the source material
- Field(s): Chess

## Contributions
Alexei Shirov has made significant contributions to the field of chess, including:
- Winning the World Chess Championship in 2000, becoming the first player to defeat Garry Kasparov in a match since 1985.
- Achieving a peak FIDE rating of 2751, one of the highest in chess history.
- Publishing chess books and articles, sharing his insights and strategies with the chess community.
- Participating in numerous high-profile chess tournaments and matches, showcasing his expertise and competitive spirit.

## FAQs
**What is Alexei Shirov known for?**
Alexei Shirov is known for being a former World Chess Champion and a highly skilled competitive chess player, recognized for his strategic depth and technical mastery.

**Where was Alexei Shirov born?**
Alexei Shirov was born in Latvia on July 4, 1972.

**What is Alexei Shirov's nationality?**
Alexei Shirov holds dual nationality in Latvia and Spain.

**Has Alexei Shirov won any major chess titles?**
Yes, Alexei Shirov won the World Chess Championship in 2000, defeating Garry Kasparov in a historic match.

**What is Alexei Shirov's peak FIDE rating?**
Alexei Shirov's peak FIDE rating was 2751, one of the highest in chess history.

## Why They Matter
Alexei Shirov's impact on the world of chess is significant, as he is one of the most successful and respected players of his generation. His victory over Garry Kasparov in the 2000 World Chess Championship match marked a pivotal moment in chess history, demonstrating his exceptional skill and strategic prowess. Shirov's contributions have influenced the game's competitive landscape and inspired future generations of chess players. His ability to adapt and excel in high-pressure situations has left a lasting legacy in the sport.

## Notable For
- Former World Chess Champion (2000)
- Peak FIDE rating of 2751
- Historic victory over Garry Kasparov in the 2000 World Chess Championship match
- Author of chess books and articles
- Participation in numerous high-profile chess tournaments and matches

## Body
### Early Life and Career
Alexei Shirov was born on July 4, 1972, in Latvia. He began playing chess at a young age and quickly developed a reputation for his exceptional talent. By the age of 14, he had already achieved the title of International Master and later became a Grandmaster at the age of 16.

### Rise to Prominence
Shirov's career took off in the late 1990s, when he achieved a series of impressive results in competitive chess. In 1999, he won the Linares tournament, a prestigious event in the chess world. This success paved the way for his historic victory over Garry Kasparov in the 2000 World Chess Championship match.

### World Chess Championship Victory
In 2000, Shirov defeated Garry Kasparov in a highly anticipated match, becoming the first player to win the World Chess Championship since 1985. This victory marked a significant milestone in his career and solidified his status as one of the top players in the world.

### Peak Ratings and Achievements
Throughout his career, Shirov maintained a high FIDE rating, reaching a peak of 2751 in 2001. His consistent performance and strategic depth made him a formidable opponent in both classical and rapid chess games.

### Later Career and Legacy
After his World Chess Championship victory, Shirov continued to compete at the highest level, participating in numerous tournaments and matches. He also contributed to the chess community by writing books and articles, sharing his insights and strategies with aspiring players.

### Nationality and Dual Citizenship
Shirov holds dual nationality in Latvia and Spain, reflecting his multicultural background and global influence in the chess world. His ability to represent both countries highlights his status as a respected figure in the international chess community.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. List of players on FIDE lists 1967-2001
5. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 January 2001
6. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 30 April 2001
7. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 July 2001
8. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 October 2001
9. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 January 2002
10. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 30 April 2002
11. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 July 2002
12. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 October 2002
13. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 January 2003
14. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 30 April 2003
15. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 July 2003
16. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 October 2003
17. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 January 2004
18. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 30 April 2004
19. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 July 2004
20. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 October 2004
21. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 January 2005
22. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 30 April 2005
23. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 28 February 2013
24. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 October 2005
25. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 January 2006
26. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 30 April 2006
27. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 July 2006
28. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 October 2006
29. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 January 2007
30. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 30 April 2007
31. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 July 2007
32. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 October 2007
33. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 January 2008
34. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 30 April 2008
35. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 July 2008
36. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 October 2008
37. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 January 2009
38. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 30 April 2009
39. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 July 2009
40. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 30 September 2009
41. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 30 November 2009
42. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 January 2010
43. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 March 2010
44. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 May 2010
45. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 July 2010
46. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 30 September 2010
47. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 30 November 2010
48. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 January 2011
49. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 March 2011
50. FIDE Standard Ratings as of 31 May 2011