Archive · 6 Jan 2026
Carlsen's Coach Dismisses 'B-Events' Claims
Magnus Carlsen is a famous chess player who has been the best in the world for a long time.
Some people think he stays at the top by playing in smaller tournaments, but his old coach says that's not true.
The coach showed that Carlsen played in the strongest tournaments of 2025.
Carlsen doesn't play as many regular chess games anymore, but he still does well in important events.
Some people also think the way the rankings work might be unfair, but the coach says Carlsen earns his top spot.
Magnus Carlsen has been the No. 1 in FIDE Classical ratings since July 2011.
Carlsen has not been competing in many Classical tournaments except Norway Chess since 2023.
Speculation arose about Carlsen playing in lower-ranked 'B-events' to maintain his rating.
Peter Heine Nielsen, Carlsen's former coach, refuted the 'B-events' claim on X (Twitter).
Carlsen participated in 9 of the strongest tournaments of 2025, including the St. Louis Clutch event.
- Who
- Magnus Carlsen, Peter Heine Nielsen, FIDE
- What
- Carlsen's participation in chess tournaments and his FIDE rating
- When
- 2025 and ongoing
- Where
- Various locations, including Norway and St. Louis, USA
- Why
- To address speculation about Carlsen's ability to maintain his No. 1 ranking
- Magnus Carlsen
- Norwegian Grandmaster and former World Chess Champion
- FIDE Rating
- International Chess Federation's ranking system
- Peter Heine Nielsen
- Carlsen's former coach for 16 years
- Norway Chess
- Carlsen's primary Classical chess tournament
- St. Louis Clutch
- Rapid chess event with high average rating
- 2025 Tournaments
- Carlsen participated in 9 of the strongest tournaments
