Why compare Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana?

Caruana challenged Carlsen in the 2018 World Chess Championship, resulting in a dramatic match that ended in a tie before Carlsen retained his title in the tiebreaks.

Magnus Carlsen

Key numbers

  • World Championship Titles5
  • World Rapid Titles6
  • World Blitz Titles9
  • FIDE Ratings2841 (June 2026)
  • Peak Rating2882 (May 2014)

Top honours

  • World Chess Champion2013 – 2023
  • World Rapid Chess ChampionSix-time champion
  • World Blitz Chess ChampionNine-time champion
  • FIDE Freestyle Chess World ChampionReigning champion
  • Highest FIDE Rating2882 (May 2014)
VS

Fabiano Caruana

Key numbers

  • FIDE Rating2792 (June 2026)
  • Peak Rating2844 (October 2014)
  • Current RankingNo. 2 (June 2026)
  • Peak RankingNo. 2 (October 2014)

Top honours

  • U.S. Chess ChampionFive-time champion
  • Italian Chess ChampionFour-time champion (2007, 2008, 2010, 2011)
  • Sinquefield CupWinner in 2014
  • Candidates TournamentWinner in 2018