Carlsen Talks Candidates Favorites, Future in Classical Events, and Chess960 Tour

Carlsen Reveals Favorites for Candidates Tournament and Talks Future Plans in Podcast Interview

In a recent podcast interview released on Monday, former world champion GM Magnus Carlsen shared his insights on the upcoming Candidates Tournament, his future in classical events, his new motivation, the Chess960 tour, and much more.

Carlsen, who rarely appears on English-language podcasts, joined the hosts of Sjakksnakk for an in-depth conversation about the chess world. He discussed his two favorites for the Candidates Tournament, which will determine the challenger for the reigning world champion GM Ding Liren. Carlsen identified Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana as the top contenders, stating that if anyone else wins, it would be a surprise.

The Norwegian grandmaster also talked about the psychological aspects of the Candidates Tournament, noting that it is almost as tough as the world championship. He highlighted the absence of players like Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Wesley So from the lineup, expressing his thoughts on the competitive field.

Carlsen also touched on his decision to step away from traditional classical events, emphasizing his focus on speed chess and Chess960/Freestyle Chess in the future. He revealed that he may have played his last traditional classical tournament and discussed his excitement about the upcoming Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour.

Reflecting on his recent successes in rapid and blitz events, Carlsen shared his thoughts on his dominance in these formats and the challenges of the prize structure in tournaments. He also expressed uncertainty about his current chess form but reiterated his love for the game and his motivation to continue playing.

Overall, Carlsen’s podcast interview provided valuable insights into his mindset, future plans, and views on the chess world, making it a must-listen for chess fans and enthusiasts.