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Polgár, 49, was born in Budapest to a Jewish family and is widely regarded as the greatest female chess player in history.
By Shula Rosen
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has nominated Jewish chess grandmaster Judit Polgár to serve as Hungary’s next president following a constitutional amendment that ended the term of President Tamás Sulyok, saying she could provide a unifying national figure during the country’s political transition.
Magyar announced the nomination in a Facebook post, saying he would meet Polgár on Monday to ask whether she would accept the role.
“I will meet her tomorrow, and will ask whether she is ready to serve our country in a new role until the new constitution is passed,” Magyar wrote. He added, “Judit Polgar’s name has been synonymous with talent and perseverance for decades.”
The nomination comes one day after Sulyok signed a constitutional amendment approved by Magyar’s ruling Tisza party that brings his term as head of state to an end.
Polgár, 49, was born in Budapest to a Jewish family and is widely regarded as the greatest female chess player in history.
She became the only woman to surpass the 2700 rating threshold, a benchmark widely associated with “Super GM” status, and rose into the world’s top 10 rankings while competing primarily against men.
Throughout her career, Polgár defeated multiple undisputed male world champions before retiring from competitive chess. Her achievements helped redefine expectations in a sport traditionally dominated by male players.
She also played a key role in one of Hungary’s landmark chess victories. Alongside her sisters, Zsuzsa (Susan) and Zsofia (Sofia), and teammate Ildiko Madl, Polgár helped Hungary’s women’s team win the 1988 Chess Olympiad, ending Soviet dominance of the competition.
Earlier this year, Netflix released Queen of Chess, a documentary chronicling Polgár’s career and achievements.
Magyar said he believes Polgár could represent national unity as Hungary moves through the constitutional transition. If she accepts the nomination, she would serve until the country’s new constitution is adopted.
Her nomination would place one of Hungary’s most celebrated athletes and one of the most accomplished figures in chess history at the country’s highest ceremonial office.
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