Mahgilis (Max) Euwe (1901-1981) was born and lived all his life in the Netherlands. He is the only Dutch world champion so far. Many treat him as the most unexpected owner of the chess crown. And this is regrettable, because this wonderful chess player does not deserve such a point of view.
In 1924 Euwe becomes professor of mathematics. He continued his scientific career until 1957. In other words, during the entire period of his formation and flourishing as a chess player, he was engaged in chess, being a chess lover. Max has written many excellent books on this topic. The master went down in history as the author of a number of works on chess openings that have become textbooks. Chess is more of a hobby than a vocation for him, along with swimming, boxing, learning foreign languages and teaching.
When Max Euwe challenged acclaimed champion Alekhine, no one expected the Dutchman to win. Euwe still won, but with a small margin (9 wins, 8 losses, 13 draws). The reigning world champion chose his opponent in the match for the chess crown. Euwe could refuse a rematch with Alekhine, but, having a truly gentlemanly character, Max had nothing against a second match with a challenger in 1937. Alekhine won this fight convincingly (10 wins, 4 losses, 11 draws).
Max Euwe continued to play actively for many years, demonstrating high-level chess, but he no longer managed to seriously claim the chess crown. In 1970 he was elected President of FIDE. In this capacity, Euwe served the chess world for eight years. He managed to do a lot for the development of chess.
