Magnus Carlsen on India’s Chess Revolution, Facing Young Talent, and the Future of Chess

Former five-time World Champion Magnus Carlsen is no stranger to the world of chess. However, in a recent interview with The Indian Express, Carlsen opened up about finding himself in uncharted territory as the oldest player in a recent event in Poland, where he competed against three Indian players. Despite being the veteran in the field, Carlsen expressed his excitement and called the experience “refreshing.”

As Carlsen gears up for the Norway Chess tournament in his home country, he shared his anticipation for facing off against the best players in the world. Reflecting on his recent participation in events like the Casablanca Chess event and the Freestyle G.O.A.T Chess event, Carlsen highlighted the appeal of playing in unfamiliar positions and the importance of extra time in Classical time controls.

When asked about the future of chess and the possibility of the game being fully solved in 10 years, Carlsen remained skeptical, emphasizing the complexity of the game and its viability for the foreseeable future. He also praised the Indian chess revolution, noting the dominance of Indian players at the youth level and the impressive calculation skills shared among generations of Indian players.

Carlsen also discussed his experiences facing multiple generations of Indian players, from Viswanathan Anand to new-gen stars like D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa. He highlighted the calculation-based approach common among Indian players and praised the current generation as the strongest and most dangerous.

As Carlsen continues to face off against rising talents like Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa, he expressed his enjoyment of playing against the younger generation and shared insights on their playing styles. Looking ahead, Carlsen offered advice to Gukesh as he heads into the World Chess Championship, emphasizing the importance of not being intimidated by opponents.

Reflecting on his own journey in chess, Carlsen acknowledged his initial intimidation when facing legends like Garry Kasparov but emphasized the growth in confidence and ambition that comes with experience. Despite his success, Carlsen remains humble and continues to evolve as a player, embracing the ever-changing landscape of the game.

In a world where chess continues to captivate audiences and inspire players of all ages, Magnus Carlsen stands as a testament to the enduring appeal and complexity of the game. As he navigates new challenges and faces off against the next generation of talent, Carlsen’s passion for chess remains unwavering, ensuring that his legacy in the game will continue to inspire players for years to come.