Renowned Norwegian Magnus Carlsen, considered the best player in chess history, stated that he has no intention of returning to the title race. The grandmaster expressed his lack of motivation to defend his title since announcing in 2022 that he would not participate in the classic chess world championship. Initiator of the Freestyle Grand Slam tournament and participant in the Esports World Cup, Carlsen believes that he does not need to prove himself. Speaking to Reuters, when asked if he would return to the title race, Carlsen answered with, “I am not considering that at the moment. I think it is a very, very low possibility.”

Carlsen previously mentioned that he would consider defending his title if Iranian-born French chess genius Alireza Firouzja won the Candidates Tournament in 2021. However, Carlsen, a five-time classic chess champion, is confident that no active player can convince him to return. Considering a future in coaching, he mentioned that he could one day guide others as he once received mentorship from Garry Kasparov. “COULD BE A COACH IN THE FUTURE”Carlsen stated, “I generally enjoy playing but I do not entirely dismiss the idea of coaching in the future. I like it when young players seek advice from me. I am still very good, so coaching might be a possibility in the future, but right now, I see myself still proving that I am superior to the youngsters.”

Carlsen won the Chess.com Rapid Chess Championship last year and shared the Blitz World Championship title with Russian chess player Ian Nepomniachtchi. However, amidst various controversies, including the ‘khaki pants crisis,’ he called for the resignation of Federation President Arkady Dvorkovich after disputes with FIDE. “I DON’T CARE ABOUT WHAT FIDE IS DOING”Carlsen seems to have moved past the disagreements with FIDE. Stating, “I really do not care what FIDE is doing. I am focused on my work,” Carlsen implied that the debate over the “world champion” title between the Freestyle Chess Players Club and FIDE has come to an end. “FIDE’s most valuable tournament is the classic chess world championship. This is what gives them heritage and legitimacy, and we do not aim for that title.”

Carlsen’s next stop will be the Freestyle Grand Slam tournament in Paris next month, where he will also compete in the Esports World Cup with Team Liquid. In this rapid chess format, Carlsen aims to show that the older generation still holds strong. “WE WILL STAY ON STAGE FOR A WHILE LONGER”Carlsen considers Alireza Firouzja, himself, and American grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura among the favorites.” Carlsen stated, “The youth gaining strength in faster formats compared to classic chess takes longer. Therefore, old players like Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and myself are here to stay for a while longer.”

Discussing his motivation, Carlsen mentioned, “It is hard to predict how that will change over time. But I do not expect my level to suddenly plummet. It will probably be a slow decline, but I think I can continue for a few more years.”