@abyss-void
For sure, Geller could have easily been on this list.
Sorry but it's ridiculous to omit Nepo from this list. He is certainly stronger than most of the players you mention and what he accomplished in winning two Candidates tournaments in a row (and coming within a hair's breadth of winning a THIRD one in a row) is harder than what basically any WC had to do to become WC for the first time.
@wlycdgr
Hey Ilya!
Nepo is clearly a very strong player. While Nepo performed very well in multiple candidates tournaments, unfortunately he had not performed as well in any other major tournaments in over a decade. Nearly all world champions also had to win a world championship, which Nepo was unable to do. However, all this is not to undermine Nepo, who is an incredible player who could have been on this list.
Paul Keres crushed me with a Wing Gambit that I learned more from than any 20 losses in my life. Plus he was gracious, kind, outgoing, decent, and funny about it. He gets my vote as #1. How many players are not just "gods unto themselves"? His books were good too.
I think you shouldn't include active players cause it's like condemning them to never win the World Championship. I don't mean they would, but I mean they still have the chance. Heck Messi didn't win his first World Cup until he's well into his 30, which is old by soccer standard. With the greatest of this age Carlsen no longer competing, I feel like the title is up for grab for everyone. Anyone having a great candidates run can be titled, as was Gukesh this year.
Paul Morphy
How about Aron Nimzowitsch?!
Efim Geller, who had a positive score against world champions Botvinnik, Smyslov, Petrosian and Fischer.
Where is Magnus Carlsen he is number 1
Missing characters: Pillsbury, Marshall, Schlechter