Magnus Carlsen has once again claimed victory at Norway Chess, marking his seventh triumph in the prestigious classical tournament. This outcome, while predictable given Carlsen`s standing, presents a notable paradox: it occurs within a format he has publicly stated he finds less engaging and has even questioned continuing to play.
The tournament assembled a field of the world`s elite players, all competing in classical chess – a format many consider the ultimate test of skill and endurance. Yet, the player expressing diminished interest in this specific arena emerged victorious. It seems the “law” of Carlsen`s preeminence, to borrow a phrase, continues to apply, irrespective of his personal motivation level towards the format itself.
Midway through the event, Carlsen`s comments about reconsidering his future in classical chess underscored his apparent detachment. However, a rare display of intense competitive spirit emerged following his loss to the reigning World Champion, D. Gukesh. A blunder transformed a winning position into a losing one, eliciting a visibly strong emotional reaction from Carlsen – a stark contrast to his usual composed demeanor. This moment, while demonstrating vulnerability, also highlighted that his own high standards and the outcome of individual games still matter profoundly to him.
Reflecting on this specific loss, Carlsen indicated it had tempered his aspiration for a “dream score” that would unequivocally reflect his perceived superiority. Nevertheless, his subsequent performance, including a remarkable recovery from a difficult position against Arjun Erigaisi in the final round to secure the necessary result, served as a potent reminder of his unique ability to navigate complex chess scenarios and convert minimal advantages – or even turn around losing prospects.
This victory at Norway Chess 2025, achieved under circumstances of self-proclaimed waning motivation for the classical format, perhaps serves as the most compelling testament to Carlsen`s unparalleled skill level. He remains the benchmark against which all others are measured. The challenge, it appears, is not merely to defeat him, but to contend with a player who, even when questioning the very nature of the competition, possesses a competitive intellect and board vision that consistently elevates him above his peers.
