Who won the first Abel Prize?

Who exactly was the recipient of the inaugural Abel Prize, and can you provide some context on the significance of this prestigious award in the realm of mathematics? Was it awarded to an individual who made groundbreaking contributions to a specific area of math, or was it a recognition of their overall body of work? Furthermore, how does the Abel Prize compare to other notable accolades in the field, and what does it signify for the winner's career and legacy?