“Miracle in Paris”: Carlsen’s Opponents Will Have to Earn Their Victories!
The main question chess fans are asking today isn’t whether Gukesh will become World Champion, but rather... how much longer will Carlsen stay in chess? A man who has embodied the game for years and, at 33, still captivates millions with his every move. The level he displayed during the final four of the Speed Chess Championship in Paris gives hope that his reign will continue for some time.
Carlsen has always been someone who carves his own path, instinctively choosing what suits him best. He could turn down training sessions with Kasparov because Garry was too demanding. At 21, he skipped an entire World Championship cycle when he felt the format was unfair. Later, he relinquished the title itself, feeling unmotivated to compete against the same opponents, especially as FIDE failed to modernize as needed. None of these decisions disrupted his life. He even walked out of a major tournament amidst scandal when he felt he was wronged, and nearly abandoned classical chess when he found it unbearably dull. He then ushered in a new era of "free chess," independently securing funding and organizing a groundbreaking performance.
Photo by © Maria Emelianova / Abu Dhabi 2024
For Carlsen, the key has always been maintaining his interest at the board. When he’s engaged, something incredible happens. Despite being considered older by modern chess standards, he brings the same childlike spontaneity, determination, and fighting spirit to the board. In such moments, Magnus becomes an unstoppable force, adapting his game to the circumstances and always finding a way to emerge victorious. The type of chess, the time control, whether it’s online or offline – everything becomes irrelevant.
Every great chess player has had their "specialty," the area in which they outshone their rivals and that kept them at the top. Magnus may not be the greatest strategist or tactician in chess history. Others have calculated variations or understood rook endgames better. But he is the only one who has absorbed nearly all the essential chess skills and demonstrated them precisely when needed. His strength lies in tailoring his game to his opponent, finding exactly what works in the moment. He’s like a chameleon, adapting to the circumstances and always emerging victorious.
Of course, maintaining such a high level of skill requires relentless practice. But when you’re over 30, have achieved all your athletic and creative goals, and have long since proven yourself, it can be challenging to keep going. Carlsen has had to cultivate new abilities, the primary one being the ability to "switch on" when needed, convincing himself that he still has something to strive for.
In recent years, Carlsen has been walking a fine emotional line. On one side, there’s the intense effort and success he’s accustomed to. On the other, relaxation and enjoyment of life, which he has undoubtedly earned after a brilliant career (his long-term relationship also pulls him toward the latter). It’s impossible to fully be in both places at once.
Clearly, Carlsen is no longer the same player he was in the mid-2010s. Back then, his focus, goals, and dedication to his life's work were different. He was willing to sacrifice almost anything for it. The internal change began around the time of his match with Nepomniachtchi, when he started to feel frustrated by the constant need to prove himself and the toll it took on his life. "I’ve won five World Championships for you – what more do you want?" he seemed to ask.
He decided to follow his own desires. And he did! The World Championship match? He opted out, unwilling to dedicate six months just to avoid looking like a fool in 12-14 games. Classical tournaments? He kept a few, like Stavanger, but let the rest go. Regarding the ambitious goal of passing the 2900 rating barrier, Carlsen explained that it wasn’t about the number itself but rather a way to stay motivated and ensure that he plays at his best. Without such a target, Carlsen admitted that he now plays more for enjoyment, having already proven himself in the chess world. "I love to play, I love to try and win, but I don't have a lot to prove. That gives me at least the motivation to try and be at my best all the time, which I think is something to aim for," he noted on the Lex Friedman podcast.
Having weighed all the pros and cons, Carlsen set his priorities. He would continue doing what he enjoys, even if it didn’t guarantee success. Rapid and blitz formats, online series where he can play to his heart's content – yes. Freestyle Chess, a game he finds thrilling partly because it didn’t come easily to him – definitely. Traveling, giving exhibitions, and engaging with people who genuinely interest him – also yes.
So, the question, "How long will Carlsen remain in chess?" has a positive answer for both his fans and chess lovers in general: for quite a while! As Grischuk speculated, "He could play and win for another ten years." Maybe not ten, but certainly as long as he feels the passion.
When you crush a top rival and win by an overwhelming margin against someone you yourself consider the best player of the next generation, what more needs to be said? Watching the "Miracle in Paris," we thought Carlsen was giving us a gift. In reality, he was gifting himself a surge of confidence at a crucial crossroads, asking, "Do I still want to continue?" This triumph makes it clear that Magnus isn’t leaving chess anytime soon – because he’s still having a blast!
After winning yet another title, Magnus remarked, "Despite the fact that my average level may have dropped slightly compared to my peak, I feel like I can still get very close to it on certain days. So, my future opponents will have to earn their victories against me. I’m not going to make it easy for them!"
Next up is the Olympiad, the European Team Championships, the finals of the Chess.com series, his beloved World Rapid and Blitz Championships, and in 2025, the launch of a grand Freestyle Chess series where Carlsen will be the frontman.