Five-time World Chess champion Magnus Carlsen interacts with the media during draw of lots ceremony of Tata Steel Chess India Rapid and Blitz, in Kolkata, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. (PTI Photo)
World No.1 Magnus Carlsen said that if someone surpasses him to become the new top-ranked player, he wouldn’t mind, adding that he felt that chess ratings today are somewhat ‘deflated’.
“I don’t play a lot of classical chess, so whenever somebody is going to pass me, I wouldn’t particularly mind,” the 33-year-old Norwegian said on Monday ahead of the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid and Blitz tournament.
“I think a lot of people had the chance to surpass me, but we’ll see when it happens. I think it sort of depends on others,” he added.
Currently, in the November 12 live table, Fabiano Caruana is just behind Carlsen in the rankings. He is followed by Hikaru Nakamura, Arjun Erigaisi and D Gukesh.
Talking about the current ratings system, Carlsen said, “There’s definitely been deflation in chess ratings, so a level of ELO 2830 would probably correspond to 2850 about 10 years ago, and not a lot of people have reached that.”
Carlsen, a five-time world champion, who held the title from 2013 to 2023, chose not to defend his crown, citing lack of motivation. Despite stepping back from classical tournaments, Carlsen’s reign at the top is one of the longest and most dominant in chess history.
Having held the world number 1 spot almost continuously since July 1, 2011, Carlsen first achieved the top ranking in January 2010 at the age of 19, becoming the youngest player to reach that position.
After briefly losing it in mid 2011, he reclaimed the top spot and has dominated it ever since. Throughout his career, Carlsen has set multiple records, including the highest FIDE rating ever recorded at 2882 in May 2014.
Since opting out of the World Championship in 2023, Carlsen has “picked and chosen” tournaments with formats and opponents he finds exciting, focusing on rapid, blitz, and other flexible events that align with his evolving interests.
(With agency inputs)
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