World Chess Champion, Magnus Carlsen has announced recently that he will not defend his title in the year 2023. He says that he is not motivated to play another match at the World Chess Championship.

Magnus made this announcement on International Chess Day on his podcast, the Magnus Effect.

Magnus Carlsen – World Chess Champion

Norway’s Magnus Carlsen has held the title of the World Chess Champion since 2013 when he was 22 years old. He pulled this title from Indian chess grandmaster, Viswanathan Anand.

Magnus has won every World Chess Championship since then. But, he had already expressed frustration with the competition format.

Now, being 31 years old, Magnus said winning the championship for the fourth and fifth time seemed nothing to him. he says that he’s happy that he didn’t lose any match but he’s no more motivated and he doesn’t see any growth.

The President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), Arkady Dvorkovich said that for those who are on the very top, it is difficult to stay motivated. He also stated that the reward for the victory doesn’t feel the same as it was for the first time.

Chess officials have offered changes in the championship format and discussed it with Carlsen, last month. But, he has been adamant. Maybe, he is affected by a lack of enthusiasm for his opponents.

World Chess Championship

If Magnus Carlsen leaves the title, it means, the game will get a new champion. The World Chess Championship match will now be played between Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia and Ding Liren of China.

At Curious Times, we send good wishes to Magnus Carlsen for his future endeavours.

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