Roshal Alexander Borisovich (26.08.1936 – 21.05.2007)

Russian strong chess amateur, author, and journalist. The promoter of the annual Chess Oscar between 1995 and 2007. Master of Sports of the USSR in 1963. Honored coach of the Russian Federation 1967 and of several Grandmasters like Mark Dvoretsky. Chief editor of the chess magazine 64. Director of the Press Centre at many chess occasions, Press-Attaché at the World Championship Matches of 1978 and 1981.

Roshal was mostly associated with the bringing back of the Chess Oscar almost entirely on his own initiative.

Vera Tsvetkova wrote: “For many, Roshal embodies chess journalism, acting as the public voice of chess for the greater masses. This energetic and sociable person completely belies his age – he is active, sharp-witted, and talkative – one could listen to him for hours, like a nightingale. It doesn’t matter what the conversation is about – journalism, chess, or his adored watchdog breed, Cane Corso. He represents the generation born in the Thirties – yes, that’s how they are.”