Hungarian Rudolf Rezső Charousek was born in Prague on 19 September 1873. He was 15 years old, attending secondary school, when he learnt to play chess. His parents were very supportive, after finishing secondary school his mother bought him as a gift Bilguer’s chess “bible”. His peak World Ranking was 6th (in 12 different months between May 1899 and April 1900). From 1897 to 1900 he was considered to be one of the best 10 chess players. According to Chessmetrics his highest rating is 2734.

After reaching success in Budapest, he gained acknowledgement on international level as well. In 1896 in Nurnberg he won against both world champion Emanuel Laskert and world champion aspirant David Janowsky. Based on his achievements he became Laskert’s challenger, but the match could not be organised: Charousek died at the age of 26 in tuberculosis on 18 April 1900 in Nagytétény, Hungary.

Interesting facts:

He was master of the King’s Gambit, he defeated Lasker with this opening as well. The cemetery, where he rested was pulled down in 1982. The Council of Budapest relocated his tomb and ashes to the Kerepesi Cemetery near Geza Maroczy’s tomb.