# Václav Kotěšovec > Czech chess composer **Wikidata**: [Q11985650](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11985650) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vaclav-kotesovec ## Summary Václav Kotěšovec is a Czech chess composer, mathematician, and software engineer born in Prague in 1956. He is recognized internationally for his contributions to chess problems, achieving the title of Grandmaster for chess compositions in 2023. In addition to his artistic chess work, he is noted for his technical background in programming and mathematics. ## Biography - **Born:** July 29, 1956, in Prague - **Nationality:** Czech Republic (formerly Czechoslovakia) - **Known for:** Chess composition, software engineering, mathematics - **Field(s):** Chess, Computer Science, Mathematics - **Languages:** Czech ## Contributions Václav Kotěšovec has made significant contributions to the field of chess composition, a discipline that involves creating chess puzzles or problems to be solved. Over a career spanning decades, he has achieved a hierarchy of titles recognized by the World Federation for Chess Composition (WFCC) and FIDE. His progression through these ranks highlights a sustained output of high-quality work. His contributions are formally recognized through a specific timeline of titles: * **1996:** Awarded the title of **FIDE Master for Chess Compositions**, marking his entry into the elite level of problemists. * **2005:** Elevated to **International Master for chess compositions**, signifying a higher standard of technical and artistic merit in his problems. * **2010:** Appointed as an **International Judge of Chess Compositions**, indicating his expertise in evaluating the work of other composers. * **2023:** Achieved the highest honor in the field, **Grandmaster for chess compositions**, a title reserved for those with a distinguished history of superior problems. Beyond chess, Kotěšovec applies his analytical skills as a programmer and mathematician. He maintains a personal website (kotesovec.cz) which serves as a repository for his work and interests. His profile indicates a synergy between his professional roles in software engineering and his creative pursuits in mathematical chess problems. ## FAQs ### Q: What is Václav Kotěšovec's highest chess title? A: His highest chess title is **Grandmaster for chess compositions**, which he was awarded in 2023. This is the highest distinction a chess composer can receive from FIDE. ### Q: What are Václav Kotěšovec's professions outside of chess? A: He is identified as a **programmer** (or software engineer) and a **mathematician**. His background in these technical fields complements his work in chess composition. ### Q: When did Václav Kotěšovec receive his first FIDE title? A: He received his first title, **FIDE Master for Chess Compositions**, in 1996. ## Why They Matter Václav Kotěšovec represents the intersection of logical science and artistic creation. Chess composition is not merely a game but a formal art form requiring deep mathematical intuition and structural beauty. By achieving the title of Grandmaster in 2023, Kotěšovec has demonstrated a lifetime of dedication to this niche intellectual pursuit. His career illustrates the continuity between software engineering, mathematics, and chess problem solving—all fields that rely heavily on algorithms, pattern recognition, and logical efficiency. As an International Judge since 2010, he has also played a role in maintaining the standards of the chess composition community, influencing the direction of the art form through his evaluations. His recognition by major bibliographic and identity authorities (such as the BNF, VIAF, and ISNI) underscores his standing as a documented figure in both the cultural and scientific heritage of the Czech Republic. ## Notable For * Being a **Grandmaster for chess compositions** (awarded 2023). * Serving as an **International Judge of Chess Compositions** (since 2010). * A career progression from **FIDE Master (1996)** to **International Master (2005)**. * Being a **Czech** representative in the global chess composition community. * Combining expertise as a **programmer** and **mathematician** with artistic chess endeavors. ## Body ### Early Life and Background Václav Kotěšovec was born on July 29, 1956, in Prague. He holds citizenship in the Czech Republic (formerly Czechoslovakia) and speaks Czech. His formative environment in Prague positioned him within a region with a rich history of chess and mathematical culture. ### Chess Composition Career Kotěšovec is a "composer" who creates chess problems, distinct from playing the game competitively. His journey through the ranks of official FIDE titles provides a timeline of his growing influence and success in the field: * **1996:** Recognized as a **FIDE Master for Chess Compositions**. This early title confirmed his capability to produce problems of international standard. * **2005:** Advanced to the status of **International Master for chess compositions**. This title is awarded to composers who have produced a significant number of high-quality problems. * **2023:** Attained the title of **Grandmaster for chess compositions**. This is the pinnacle of achievement for a chess composer, awarded to those who have published a substantial number of world-class problems. In addition to creating problems, Kotěšovec became an **International Judge of Chess Compositions** in 2010. This role involves assessing the originality and quality of problems submitted to tournaments, highlighting his deep understanding of the technical requirements of the art. ### Technical and Professional Work Parallel to his chess activities, Kotěšovec is a professional **programmer** and **mathematician**. * **Occupation:** He is classified as a software engineer and programmer. * **Online Presence:** He manages a personal website, `http://www.kotesovec.cz/`, which provides an English-language interface for his work. * **Community Engagement:** He is identified as a user on the Stack Exchange network (User ID: 3683646), suggesting active participation in technical or problem-solving communities. ### Identifiers and Recognition Kotěšovec's biographical data is preserved and verified through numerous international authority files, reflecting his standing in both cultural and academic contexts. * **ISNI:** 0000000107320400 * **VIAF ID:** 159964701 * **Wikidata ID:** Google Knowledge Graph ID `/g/120zzthy`. * **Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF):** ID 16763584d. * **Image:** A photograph of Václav Kotěšovec is available via Wikimedia Commons. ## References 1. Czech National Authority Database 2. BnF authorities 3. general catalog of BnF 4. Virtual International Authority File 5. Handbook of Chess Composition 6. [Grandmasters of the FIDE for Chess Compositions. World Federation for Chess Composition](https://www.wfcc.ch/Titles/gm/)