Exploring the realm of Magnus Carlsen in an engaging dialogue with SiGMA
Hanging out in a cozy room at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, Malta, Magnus Carlsen was ready for a sit-down with SiGMA. His crew—team members, fans, security, reporters, and shutterbugs—surrounded the grandmaster, all eager to get a piece of the chess champion's time. The strain of endless chats, interviews, and selfies was evident on Carlsen's haggard mug. Realizing the pressure even champions like Carlsen feel, we opted for a relaxed vibe.
"The gabfest was chill," Carlsen shared with SiGMA, referring to his stage appearance with Next.io founder Pierre Lind. His voice was cool and collected. "But, let's cut to the chase, the chess match was the real test," he admitted, drawing attention to his blindfolded game against Maltese champion Colin Paisley. Despite the expected outcome, it was tougher than he anticipated. "He was a tough nut to crack, a formidable adversary who gave me quite a chase," Carlsen conceded. Despite the challenges, his competitive spirit shone, even with his eyes closed. "I wasn't expecting a tough bout today, but once I stepped into the fray, I didn't want to back down. So, I dug deep and managed to hold on and pull through," he modestly added.
Carlsen's visit to Malta wasn't just about chess. It was a chance to meet fans and promote the game among new circles. As a global ambassador for BETBY, a betting company, he saw a link between chess strategy and betting. "BETBY is an energetic, passionate, pioneering outfit. Being part of their journey is a thrilling adventure," he noted. "We're gearing up to unlock the full potential of this partnership and continue our collaboration in the coming years."
The Rise of Chess After the Pandemic
Speaking about the growth of chess, Carlsen pinned the increase on the pandemic and media projects. "During lockdowns, people holed up at home, and chess went through the roof," he explained. This surge coincided with the release of the hit miniseries "The Queen's Gambit" in 2020. Additionally, chess content on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram attracted a new audience, making the game more accessible to youngsters.
Despite his global fame, Carlsen remains surprisingly down-to-earth. "I'm not comfortable with constant attention and crowds," he admitted. "I prefer a tight-knit crew."
Carlsen's Accomplishments Are Astounding. At the ripe age of 13, he became a grandmaster. He reached a record FIDE rating of 2882 in May 2014, a mark yet to be surpassed. He held the World Chess Championship title from 2013 to 2023. His dominance rule extends to classical, rapid, and blitz formats. Recently, he outsmarted grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura at the Freestyle Grand Slam stage in Paris, further cementing his reign.
After our chat, Carlsen gushed about Malta. "I didn't know what to anticipate, but it's all been splendid. The weather's terrific, and strolling around the old city of Valletta is a real treat". Before departing, he planned to explore the island further. "I'm jetting off tomorrow morning, but I've got a few hours today to enjoy the scenery".
Carlsen is more than just a chess juggernaut. His sincerity and openness are rare for a star of his stature. Without affectation or pretense, with down-to-earth candor and extraordinary talent, he's one-of-a-kind.
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"Magnus Carlsen, the global ambassador for BETBY, expressed his enthusiasm about collaborating with the betting company, stating, 'BETBY is an energetic, passionate, pioneering outfit. Being part of their journey is a thrilling adventure,'"
"Carlsen was earlier engaged in a blindfolded game against Maltese champion Colin Paisley, and he shared, 'He was a tough nut to crack, a formidable adversary who gave me quite a chase,' emphasizing the challenge he faced despite his expertise in the sports of chess."
