Magnus Carlsen, the world's best chess player, refused to defend his title in 2022. He cited a lack of motivation and little to gain.
What happened?
Carlsen became a Grandmaster at 13 and the youngest world No. 1 at 19. He won five world championships and was considered the first proper chess superstar since Bobby Fischer.
He was born in Norway on November 30, 1990, and started playing chess at 8 years old. His father, Henrik, tried to get him into chess earlier, but Carlsen wasn't interested until his older sister started playing.
Carlsen quickly prioritized chess over everything else, including school. He spent five hours each night playing and had a second table set up beside the main table with a chessboard on it.
Why it matters for Magnus Carlsen
Carlsen's decision not to defend his title was a surprise to many. He had been the world's best chess player for the last 10 years and had achieved great success, including winning five world championships and modeling for G-Star.
He was offered a role in Star Trek and made millions of dollars. But despite his success, Carlsen felt he had little to gain by continuing to play.
What comes next?
Carlsen's future in chess is uncertain. He may continue to play, but he will not be defending his title. His decision has sparked debate in the chess community, with some questioning his motivation and others supporting his choice.
Carlsen's mother, Sigrun, said he had the ability to sit for a very long time, even when he was small. This focus and dedication helped him become one of the greatest chess players of all time.
As of 2022, Carlsen's Elo rating was the highest ever recorded, according to the Elo rating system. He had achieved a rating of 2882, the highest in history.
Carlsen's career has been marked by numerous achievements, including winning the World Chess Championship five times. He first won the championship in 2013 and successfully defended his title four times.