Magnus Carlsen
The highest-rated player in history, who voluntarily walked away from the title he dominated.
Photo: Miroslav.vajdic · CC BY 4.0
Biography
Carlsen beat Anand in 2013 and defended the title four times — against Anand again in 2014, Sergey Karjakin in 2016, Fabiano Caruana in 2018, and Ian Nepomniachtchi in 2021.
In 2023 he declined to defend the title again, citing a lack of motivation to keep playing long World Championship matches, allowing the title to pass on through the next championship cycle instead.
Playing Style
An extremely versatile, "universal" style with a reputation for grinding out wins from seemingly equal, unpromising positions purely through technique, patience, and endurance.
Notable Games
Carlsen vs. Nepomniachtchi, Game 6
At 136 moves, this remains the longest game in World Championship history, eventually won by Carlsen.
Fun Facts
- He holds the record for the highest FIDE rating ever achieved (2882).
- He is the only World Champion to voluntarily relinquish the title while still clearly the world's strongest player.
- He remains dominant in elite rapid and blitz chess.