World's best chess player disagrees with FIDE president over Russia's return
Magnus Carlsen at the 2024 Chess Olympiad (flickr.com/photos/fide)
Magnus Carlsen, the 16th World Chess Champion, used the platform of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) to call for the halt of the return of Russian and Belarusian players to FIDE-sanctioned competitions, citing FIDE's official X account.
The 33-year-old Norwegian was honored by FIDE with the title of the greatest chess player in history. However, the award ceremony did not go as planned for FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich.
"I, of course, had to accept this award, but in my personal opinion, I still think that Garry Kasparov has had a better career than I have. I understand why I got this award, but I still think he was more deserving. But I will say at least in Garry's honor, I'm sure he would take the opportunity to advise against reinstating the Russian and Belarusian chess federations. So, that is what I will do as well," Carlsen said.
Carlsen's statement came amid FIDE’s attempts, under the leadership of its Russian president, to reinstate the rights of Russian and Belarusian players to compete. Following a proposal from the Kyrgyz delegation, FIDE gathered to discuss allowing Russian and Belarusian players to compete under their own flags. A decision is expected on September 21-22.
Kasparov, the 13th World Chess Champion, later responded to Carlsen’s comments, confirming that he would have expressed a similar position regarding Russia and Belarus. Additionally, the legendary chess player referred to the Norwegian grandmaster as his successor, remarking that Carlsen would find it difficult to surpass him.
Magnus Carlsen has been voted the G.O.A.T. of chess!
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) September 19, 2024
The #FIDE100 awards took place tonight in Budapest and the World #1 received the award for the best player in history!
Watch his acceptance speech pic.twitter.com/VqgKPdfl8i
Who is Magnus Carlsen?
Born in Tønsberg, Carlsen became the 16th World Chess Champion, reigning from 2013 to 2023. He earned the grandmaster title at the age of 13.
In November 2013, Carlsen decisively defeated India's Viswanathan Anand in the battle for the chess crown (6.5:3.5). He later defended his world title against challenges from Anand, Russia’s Sergey Karjakin, the US's Fabiano Caruana, and Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi. Last year, he declined to defend his title, citing a loss of motivation.
Carlsen is an avid football, skiing, tennis, and basketball fan. He supports Real Madrid and enjoys comics. In 2013, he was named one of TIME's 100 most influential people in the "Titans" category.
