The brilliant Paul Morphy was both. He was recognized as the world Chess champion but before there was a formal champion.
The chess player has direct control of 16 chessmen .
Chess master , chess player , participant , patzer(a derogatory term) or player .
Maelzel's Chess Player was created in 1836.
Chess Player's Chronicle was created in 1841.
Chess World Champion
Peter Lee - chess player - was born in 1943.
Marmaduke Wyvill - chess player - was born in 1815.
János Balogh - chess player - died in 1980.
Elias Stein - chess player - died in 1812.
Ludwig Rellstab - chess player - was born in 1904.
Ludwig Rellstab - chess player - died in 1983.
Vladimir Belov - chess player - was born in 1984.