Magnus Carlsen Admits He is Past His Peak and Less Obsessed with Competing at Highest Level

World No.1 chess player Magnus Carlsen has made a candid admission about his career, acknowledging that he is past his peak and no longer as ‘obsessed’ with competing at the highest level. The former world champion, who has been the top-ranked player for 15 years, revealed that he has become wiser over the years but has lost some willpower and energy.

In a recent interview on The Joe Rogan Experience, Carlsen reflected on his peak performance in the first half of 2019, likening himself to a young Kasparov at that time. However, he noted that he can no longer play the same openings as they have been worked out to the point of being unplayable. Despite still being able to perform at a high level, Carlsen admitted that he is not the same relentless beast at the board that he was in 2013-2014.

The five-time world champion expressed a willingness to compromise on chess in order to enjoy life, stating that he is no longer obsessed with competing. While he may not be able to reach his peak performance due to his age, Carlsen believes he can still come close to it by focusing on important aspects like fitness, diet, and preparation.

Carlsen’s honest assessment of his career trajectory sheds light on the challenges of maintaining the highest level of performance in a competitive sport like chess. Despite his achievements and continued success, the Norwegian grandmaster is embracing a more balanced approach to his career and personal life.