Carlsen

Magnus Carlsen (born 30 November 1990 in Tønsberg, Norway) is a Norwegian chess grandmaster and former World Chess Champion. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the game, he achieved the number-one FIDE rating in 2010 at the age of 19 and set a peak rating of 2882 in 2014. He earned the grandmaster title in 2004 at age 13, making him one of the youngest players to achieve the honor.

Carlsen won the World Chess Championship in 2013 by defeating Viswanathan Anand and defended the title in 2014 (against Anand), 2016 (against Sergey Karjakin), 2018 (against Fabiano Caruana), and 2021 (against Ian Nepomniachtchi). In 2023 he did not defend the title, and the championship passed to Ding Liren. He has remained a top player and has often been the highest-rated player in the world.

Playing style for which Carlsen is known includes exceptional endgame technique, deep strategic understanding, and strong practical decision-making. These traits have enabled him to convert many slight advantages into wins and to perform well across classical, rapid, and blitz formats. He has also contributed to popularizing chess through online events, media engagements, and educational initiatives.

Beyond competition, Carlsen has been involved in business and promotion of chess. He co-founded the Play Magnus Group, a company developing chess software, training tools, and online platforms, and helped organize high-profile online tournaments such as the Magnus Carlsen Invitational. His impact extends to shaping chess culture, talent development, and the integration of technology and media into the game.