Asia’s first Grandmaster Eugene Torre was officially inducted Tuesday, Oct. 4 (Wednesday in Manila) into the World Chess Hall of Fame in a memorable ceremony at the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station in Missouri.
Torre was actually named as an inductee along with Hungarian Judit Polgar and Poland-born Argentine Miguel Najdorf last year but it was only recently that the oft-postponed ceremony was staged.
The 70-year-old Torre thus became the first Asian male Hall of Famer in the list.
“We’re very proud especially as a Filipino and my understanding is that we’re the first Asian male inductee, which is an added honor for us,” said Torre, who was accompanied by wife Maria Lina.
Torre was a trailblazer for Asian chess for half a century after accomplishing numerous continental feats like being the region’s first GM, the first to defeat a reigning world champion, and first to reach the Candidates stage of the World Championship.
“The 2021 World Chess Hall of Fame inductees exemplify the global impact and inclusivity chess has to offer, and we’re honored to include their contributions to the game’s rich history,” said FIDE Special Project Director Willy Iclicki in a story at chessbase.com.
By making the WCHOF, Torre received a plaque bearing their image and biography while his notable games and highlights will also be featured in a digital interactive gallery.