Magnus Carlsen Unfazed By Prospect Of Being Surpassed, Says Chess Ratings Are Deflated These Days

Magnus Carlsen, undisputed world number one for over a dece, believes chess ratings today are somewhat "deflated" compared to past but remains unfazed by possibility of someone surpassing him.

five-time world champion, who held title from 2013 to 2023, chose not to defend his crown, citing lack of motivation. Despite stepping back from classical tournaments, Carlsen's reign at top is one of longest and most dominant in chess history.

"I don't play a lot of classical chess, so whenever somebody is going to pass me, I wouldn't particularly mind," 33-year-old Norwegian said during a media interaction ahe of Tata Steel Chess India Rapid and Blitz tournament here.

"I think a lot of people h chance to surpass me, but we'll see when it happens. I think it sort of depends on ors." Carlsen also suggested that chess ratings may not carry same weight y did a dece ago.

"re's definitely been deflation in chess ratings, so a level of ELO 2830 would probably correspond to 2850 about 10 years ago, and not a lot of people have reached that," noted Carlsen, who currently has a FIDE rating of 2831.

Having held world number 1 spot almost continuously since July 1, 2011, Carlsen first achieved top ranking in January 2010 at age of 19, becoming youngest player to reach that position.

After briefly losing it in mid 2011, he reclaimed top spot and has dominated it ever since. Throughout his career, Carlsen has set multiple records, including highest FIDE rating ever recorded at 2882 in May 2014.

Since opting out of World Championship in 2023, Carlsen has "picked and chosen" tournaments with formats and opponents he finds exciting, focusing on rapid, blitz, and or flexible events that align with his evolving interests.

Reflecting on younger generation of players, Carlsen conveyed his respect for ir progress while noting that y don't always measure up to his level, a statement more reflective of his confidence than arrogance.

"I'm looking forward to testing myself against younger generation. I'm always curious to see how much y've improved since last time. It turns out y have improved, but not always enough." "I look forward to seeing all Indian chess fans. It's quite chaotic; that's one of reasons why I don't do play here every year," said Carlsen who is here to play tournament for first time since 2019.

Carlsen has won World Rapid Chess Championship four times (2014, 2015, 2019, and 2022) and World Blitz Chess Championship five times (2009, 2014, 2017, 2018, and 2019), making him one of most versatile and dominant world champions across different formats.

On younger generation of chess players, Carlsen said: “It's very interesting to see a different brand of chess. A lot of older players of my generation are not going to surprise you in a major way in terms of where y stand, but with younger generation, it's interesting to try and understand.”

India has come a long way 

Carlsen began his reign after defeating Viswanathan Anand in World Championship in Chennai in 2013 and he feels country has come a long way.

"I came to Chennai in August (2013), to look at facilities and so on. I was told that I'm going to meet some of better kids in area to play, and it feels like half of kids are now eir GMs or some of m are even playing in top tournaments.

"That’s what has changed. Those kids back n are now core of Olympi-winning team. Indian chess has come a long way since n, much thanks to Anand and what he did for Indian chess," he said.

Carlsen was also impressed with three-year-old chess prodigy from city Anish Sarkar, who recently became youngest FIDE-rated chess player in world with a rating of 1555.

"First of all, it's amazing to see level he's at. My nephew is turning 4, he's a bright young child, but I don't see him getting a rating of 1500 anytime soon," he said.

"It’s very impressive. Most of all, try to enjoy as much as you can. Don't think about ratings, results, titles, and so on. y will come automatically; just do what you love," he signed off, while posing for a photo with kid.