Magnus Carlsen on India’s Chess Revolution: An Exclusive Interview with The Indian Express

Five-time World Champion Magnus Carlsen Embraces India’s Chess Revolution

Five-time World Champion Magnus Carlsen, known for his dominance in the world of chess, found himself in uncharted territory at the recent Superbet Rapid and Blitz Poland event. Not only was he the oldest player in the event, but he was also facing off against three talented Indian players in the 10-man field. This unique scenario highlighted the increasing presence of Indian players in top-level chess events and the trend of younger players making their mark in the sport.

In an exclusive interview with The Indian Express ahead of the Norway Chess tournament in his home country, Carlsen shared his thoughts on India’s chess revolution and the rising talent from the country. He expressed his excitement about competing against the best players in the world and his curiosity about his current level of play.

Reflecting on recent events like the Casablanca Chess event and the Freestyle G.O.A.T Chess event, Carlsen discussed the appeal of faster chess formats and the potential for new variants to gain popularity in the future.

When asked about Elon Musk’s prediction that chess could be fully solved in 10 years, Carlsen remained skeptical, emphasizing the complexity of the game and its enduring viability.

Regarding the influx of Indian players in top tournaments, Carlsen praised the talent and dedication of the younger generation, noting their strong calculation skills and ambitious playing styles. He highlighted the impressive growth of Indian chess and expressed his admiration for the country’s chess revolution.

Carlsen also shared insights on facing different generations of Indian players, from legends like Viswanathan Anand to rising stars like D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa. He acknowledged the similarities in their playing styles and commended the current generation of Indian players as the strongest and most dangerous.

As Gukesh prepares for the World Chess Championship, Carlsen offered advice based on his own experiences, urging the young player not to be intimidated by the competition. He also discussed the evolving learning methods in chess, noting the shift towards more practical training approaches among the younger generation.

In a candid conversation, Carlsen reflected on his early encounters with chess legends like Garry Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov, highlighting his growth in confidence and ambition over the years. He also shared his thoughts on the popular series “The Queen’s Gambit,” praising its portrayal of chess and the drama surrounding the game.

Overall, Carlsen’s interview shed light on his perspective on the evolving landscape of chess, the rise of Indian talent, and his own journey as a five-time World Champion in the sport.