Few chess players enjoy the celebrity status of Magnus Carlsen. A grandmaster at just 13, Carlsen became a household name after refusing to compete against an American plagued by cheating allegations and embracing online chess gaming. Only legends like Garry Kasparov and Bobby Fischer rival his recognition, yet Carlsen’s dominance is unparalleled; last month, he was named the greatest player by the International Chess Federation.
At 33, however, Carlsen’s ambition for professional titles is waning. “I still want to play, but I don’t necessarily have that hunger,” he told The Associated Press, expressing a desire to transform chess into a spectator sport. He recently launched the app Take Take Take, which aims to provide accessible explanations of live games, appealing to casual viewers.
While he won’t compete in November’s World Chess Championship, Carlsen plans to offer recaps and analysis through the app. His previous venture, Play Magnus, created a suite of chess applications that sold for around $80 million in 2022.
Despite the crowded market of chess platforms, Carlsen and his CEO, Mats Andre Kristiansen, hope their app will attract new viewers with its unique features. “Monetization will come later,” Kristiansen notes.
Carlsen acknowledges the challenges posed by advancements in chess engines that can outplay humans. However, he believes these tools enhance game quality, reshaping player evaluations. While he admits that his cognitive speed has diminished with age, he remains determined to be the best.
Carlsen has been a catalyst for chess’s recent popularity surge. Since becoming the top-ranked player in 2011 and winning five World Championships, he has maintained his status as the world number one for 13 years. Influencers like Hikaru Nakamura and the success of The Queen’s Gambit have further expanded chess’s appeal, while Carlsen’s refusal to play Hans Niemann over cheating allegations brought significant attention to the game.
The future of chess without Carlsen’s full professional involvement remains uncertain.
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