Archive · 11 Dec 2025
Carlsen Unlikely to Return to World Chess Championship, Says Giri
Magnus Carlsen, who has been the world chess champion five times, has decided not to play in the World Championship anymore.
He is now more interested in faster types of chess like Rapid and Blitz.
Anish Giri, another top chess player, thinks this is okay and that chess should move on to new stars.
Carlsen will still play in other big events, like the Total Chess World Championship, which combines different types of chess.
Giri is also excited to play in the Global Chess League with a strong team.
He thinks the league is very competitive, and it's hard to predict who will win.
Magnus Carlsen, the five-time world chess champion, has decided not to participate in the World Championship again.
Anish Giri, a top chess player, supports Carlsen's decision and believes chess should embrace new stars.
Carlsen will focus on faster formats like Rapid and Blitz chess and will participate in the Total Chess World Championship starting in 2027.
Giri is part of the Alpine SG Pipers team in the Global Chess League, which starts in December 2025 in Mumbai.
The Global Chess League is highly competitive, with many strong teams making it unpredictable.
- Who
- Magnus Carlsen, Anish Giri, and other top chess players
- What
- Magnus Carlsen's decision to step away from the World Championship and focus on other formats
- When
- The decision was made in 2022, and the impact is ongoing
- Where
- The discussions and events are happening globally, with the Global Chess League in Mumbai
- Why
- Carlsen's declining interest in Classical chess and his focus on faster formats like Rapid and Blitz
- Magnus Carlsen
- Five-time world champion and current world No. 1 in chess
- Anish Giri
- Dutch Grandmaster and world No. 8 in chess
- Global Chess League
- Third season starting December 2025 in Mumbai
- Total Chess World Championship
- New event combining Fast Classic, Rapid, and Blitz chess, starting 2027
- Alpine SG Pipers
- Team in the Global Chess League including Giri, Caruana, and Praggnanandhaa
