The neverending question with no correct answer ...
You could actually make a pretty good case for Alekhine as the greatest tournament player ever.
From 1925 to 1935, Alekhine played in about 24 international tournaments, taking clear or shared first 20 times, and clear or shared 2nd four times. Some of these, e.g. Baden-Baden 1925, New York 1927, San Remo 1930, and Bled 1931, were among the strongest tournaments ever held up to that time. To show just how dominant he was, consider that after losing to Nimzowitsch in the sixth round at New York 1927 on 26 February, Alekhine went undefeated in tournaments until 23 July 1931, scoring +50 -0 =30. And after a single fluke loss, to Mattison at the 1931 Prague Olympiad, Alekhine went on yet another tear, going undefeated at Bled 1931 (an unprecedented 5½ points ahead of a very strong field) and at London 1932. Overall, an amazing +74 -1 =38 run (82.3%) over five years.
From 1925 to 1935, Alekhine played in about 24 international tournaments, taking clear or shared first 20 times, and clear or shared 2nd four times. Some of these, e.g. Baden-Baden 1925, New York 1927, San Remo 1930, and Bled 1931, were among the strongest tournaments ever held up to that time. To show just how dominant he was, consider that after losing to Nimzowitsch in the sixth round at New York 1927 on 26 February, Alekhine went undefeated in tournaments until 23 July 1931, scoring +50 -0 =30. And after a single fluke loss, to Mattison at the 1931 Prague Olympiad, Alekhine went on yet another tear, going undefeated at Bled 1931 (an unprecedented 5½ points ahead of a very strong field) and at London 1932. Overall, an amazing +74 -1 =38 run (82.3%) over five years.
Bobby Fischer
Or maybe Mikhail Tal
Mikhail Tal all the way
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