It is worth noting that Lasker often played the opponent, not the board (e.g. he was known to pick a move he knew was not optimal, but which his opponent found most uncomfortable). He would go for tactics vs positional players, and for slow positional play vs tactical players. He was very annoying to play against, apparently. Also was the champion for 27 years, while having an academic career.

See also "nettlesomeness":

http://marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2013/11/nettlesomeness-and-the-first-half-of-the-carlsen-anand-match.html