Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Magnus Carlsen Reveals a Warmer Side in Rare Interview
Rupha Ramani is a sports journalist who wanted to interview chess champion Magnus Carlsen.
She was covering the Global Chess League in Bengaluru.
At first, she was unsure whether Carlsen would agree to speak with her.
His manager eventually told her to stay because the interview would happen.
Carlsen arrived on time and initially seemed quiet and serious.
As the questions continued, he became more relaxed and talkative.
He spoke about his family, his son, and being a father.
He also admitted that he was not proud of banging a table after losing to D Gukesh.
Ramani said the interview showed her a kinder and more thoughtful side of Carlsen.
Sports journalist Rupha Ramani secured a rare interview with Magnus Carlsen during the Global Chess League in Bengaluru.
Carlsen initially agreed to a 3:30 p.m. meeting and ultimately gave the interview about 30 minutes.
Ramani said Carlsen arrived on time, appeared reserved at first, and gradually became more engaged in the conversation.
Carlsen discussed his family, his son, fatherhood, and returning home after a painful loss.
He also addressed the table-banging incident after losing to D Gukesh, acknowledging that it was not a moment he was proud of.
- Who
- Sports journalist Rupha Ramani interviewed chess champion Magnus Carlsen, who also discussed his family and D Gukesh.
- What
- Ramani conducted a rare interview in which Carlsen revealed a more personal and reflective side of himself.
- When
- The interview took place during the Global Chess League’s final stretch; Carlsen had proposed 3:30 p.m. for the meeting.
- Where
- The interview was conducted in a small room in Bengaluru, India, during the Global Chess League.
- Why
- Ramani wanted to understand Carlsen’s personality beyond his public image and his performances in chess.
Public Image
Interview Impression
Carlsen’s personality
Public Image
Ramani described Carlsen’s commonly perceived public persona as sharp, terse, highly self-assured, and protected by a no-nonsense façade.
Interview Impression
During the interview, Ramani said Carlsen became relaxed, responsive, genuine, thoughtful, and willing to discuss personal subjects.
Reaction to losing
Public Image
The table-banging episode after Carlsen lost to D Gukesh had presented him as visibly frustrated, according to Ramani’s account.
Interview Impression
Carlsen acknowledged that the incident was not a moment he was proud of, showing self-reflection about his reaction.
- Interviewee
- Magnus Carlsen
- Interviewer
- Rupha Ramani, sports editor at Firstpost
- Event
- Global Chess League
- Location
- Bengaluru, India
- Interview length
- About 30 minutes
- Scheduled time
- 3:30 p.m.
- Topics discussed
- Family, fatherhood, chess, losses, and the D Gukesh table-banging incident