Why does Magnus Carlsen not want to play World Chess Championship anymore?

After Indian Grandmaster Gukesh D defeated Chinese Grandmaster Ding Liren to secure the World Chess Championship title, there have been a lot of questions about whether the World No. 1 and five-time World Champion Magnus Carlsen would return to classical, which he gave up in 2023, to reclaim the title. However, Carlsen has closed the door, saying he doesn't enjoy the current format.

Magnus Carlsen hasn't retired from classical chess. But he has decided to step away from the World Chess Championship cycle and focus on other formats. On Saturday, December 14, Carlsen dismissed the possibility of returning to the format.

“I am not part of this circus anymore,” Carlsen shared his views in a review video of Gukesh’s World Chess Championship title victory on his platform ‘Take Take Take.’

Carlsen had opted out of the FIDE Candidates competition in 2023, citing his lack of motivation for playing the classical format under the existing structure.

“The main reason is that I don’t enjoy it. It’s as simple as that. Under the current format, there is absolutely no chance [of my return],” he had said in 2023 (vis Sportstar).

Magnus Carlsen’s withdrawal led to Ding Liren claiming World Chess Championship title in 2023

Carlsen’s withdrawal from the format led to Ding Liren securing the World Chess Championship title in 2023. Liren had defeated Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia in the title clash.

Though Carlsen hasn’t retired from the sport yet, he has shifted his focus towards speed chess and freestyle chess. However, if FIDE changes the current classical chess format, the 34-year-old could consider making a comeback to the format.

The Norweigan Grandmaster first became the World Chess Champion in 2013 after defeating legendary Indian Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand. He went on to retain the title in 2014, defeating Anand again.

Carlsen, subsequently, defended his world title against Sergey Karjakin in 2016, Fabiano Caruana in 2018, and Ian Nepomniachtchi in 2021. He declined to defend his title in 2023 due to a lack of motivation towards the format.

Carlsen has held the World No. 1 position since July 1, 2011, with a peak rating of 2882, which is the highest in history.