Stavanger, Norway – World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen has delivered a candid and somewhat somber update on his future in classical chess, indicating a growing dissatisfaction with the format following a tough loss to reigning World Champion D Gukesh at the Norway Chess tournament. His remarks, including the emphatic statement “It was not fun for me at all. In general I feel I have played well in the tournament but I don’t feel it is fun playing. I am not worried about my level,” suggest a potential shift in his competitive priorities.
The frustration became palpable after Carlsen’s Round 6 encounter with the 19-year-old Indian prodigy. After dominating much of the game, a critical blunder under time pressure allowed Gukesh to snatch a dramatic victory. Carlsen’s immediate reaction – banging his fist on the board and letting out an exasperated sigh of “Oh my God” – underscored the emotional toll of the defeat.
While Carlsen acknowledged Gukesh’s fighting spirit and ability to seize his chance, he also expressed a sense of detachment from the classical format itself. “I don’t think that (the game against Gukesh, not the incident) was fun. I have to consider how to avoid it… maybe I should totally stop playing classical chess,” he told Norway’s TV2.
Disinterest in the Sport
This isn’t the first time Carlsen has voiced his disinterest in the traditional long-form chess. He famously abdicated his World Champion title in classical chess in 2023, citing a lack of motivation to defend it. His recent statements at Norway Chess suggest this sentiment has only deepened.
When pressed about completely stepping away from classical events, Carlsen didn’t rule it out. “It’s possible, yeah. I’m not going to sit here and say that I’m not going to play classical events ever again, but right now it doesn’t,” he remarked. He further elaborated, “losses are painful no matter what, but at least if I can lose doing something that I really enjoy (Blitz, Rapid or Freestyle), then that’s much easier. It’s not that I cannot play (classical chess), it’s just situations like yesterday (loss to Gukesh) I’m just wondering, like, why am I doing this? What’s the point?”
Carlsen confirmed he would play out his remaining classical games at Norway Chess, but implied that significant decisions regarding his participation in future classical tournaments are on the horizon. His comments have sparked considerable discussion in the chess world, with many speculating about the future landscape of elite classical chess if the game’s biggest star reduces his involvement.
While the “King of Chess” may be seeking new challenges and finding more enjoyment in faster formats, his candid reflections highlight the immense mental and emotional demands of classical chess at the highest level. The chess world waits to see what Magnus Carlsen’s next move will be, both on and off the 64 squares.
