The World Chess Championship 1957 was held in Moscow from March 5 to April 27. Reigning champion Mikhail Botvinnik faced challenger Vasily Smyslov in their second title match after the drawn contest of 1954. Smyslov, the 7th Official World Chess Champion (b. 1921, representing the Soviet Union), earned the right to challenge again by winning the 1956 Candidates Tournament in Amsterdam. In a competitive 22-game match, Smyslov secured victory with a score of 12.5–9.5, claiming the title of World Chess Champion. Despite this achievement, Smyslov’s reign was short-lived, as he lost the title back to Botvinnik in their 1958 rematch. This match also marked the height of Smyslov’s career, showcasing his deeply artistic approach to chess, which he often described as striving for “harmony” on the board.
