Why Magnus Carlsen won't defend his World Chess Championship | Lex Fridman Podcast Clips

Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:

GUEST BIO:
Magnus Carlsen is the highest-rated chess player in history and widely considered to be the greatest chess player of all time.

PODCAST INFO:

SOCIAL:

[LexClips]

Quick note from Lex: The camera on Magnus died 20 minutes in. Most folks still just listen to audio-only version, but here on YouTube we did our best to still make it interesting to watch & listen by adding image overlays. I mess things up sometimes, like in this case, and it hits me hard when I do. I'm sorry for this. I'm always working hard to improve. I hope you understand. Thank you for your patience and support along the way. I love you all.

[shaicry]

these comments are something else. magnus is undeniably the strongest player in the world, by quite a large margin. he’s bored, he’s tired, he has nothing left to prove, and everyone in the chess world knows it, even if they are disappointed with his decision.

[benjamingross]

One thing to keep in mind is "World Chess Championship" is like "World Series" it's an owned name by some company that puts it on. Magnus doenst like that they dont make former champions climb the ladder again, but just have him waiting around like the boss in a kung fu movie to take on the other player that makes it. He suggested this rule change, they denied it because they like their tradition, so he said "Meh, I dont want to play your game anymore" Fair enough. He's still the best in the world based on his ranking and one tournament where a bad day can screw it all up doesnt change the statistical reality of his strengths. If he's not having fun he should do other things. If this ruins the "World Chess Championship's" prestige that's their fault for not attracting the highest level of competition.

[manendra_jha]

He's so honest about the fear of losing. It's definitely a super rare feeling of being in the shoes of someone like Magnus Carlsen. I just want to put my two cents here- Fear of losing is what should drive us rather than making us quit. But then who am i to judge never knowing the pressure of being Magnus freaking Carlsen.

[tkjo]

Very common feeling when the fear of losing is so incredibly bad that the joy of winning pales in comparison. I know friends that have quit their sport because of it. They got so all out devastated when losing.

[max_mittler]

"A strange game. The only winning move is not to play"

[saguaroh]

Great interview! No worries about the camera thing. We know you well enough, Lex, to know that you are beating yourself up far more than anyone else would. I usually just watch the first 30 minutes of video, to get the flavor, then do something else while listening to the interview in the background.

[PrimalBeastDota]

Imagine the next World Champ winning, knowing Carlsen(the best player) was not present. Wouldn't be of more value compared to winning against Carlsen.

[cmc]

I’d have to agree with Magnus. Playing Nepo again really doesn’t make sense. Nepo is really good playing against players outside the top 5 because his style is super unconventional but not so good against the likes of Magnus, Ding and Fabi

[macchiavellix]

In case anybody's still wondering, the more detailed reasons for his decision to not defend his title can be found on other interviews such as the one he had with Oxford Union. That way, if you're interested, you'll understand why cause it has everything to do with FIDE's policy. But as always remarkable podcast, Lex.

[EricDodsonLectures]

I get it. At this point, he wants to have fun more than he wants another two years as reigning world champion. He's already proven himself. Now he wants to enjoy himself.

[jesterlead]

I've been a chess player for many decades and completely sympathize with the GOAT. The fear of losing in chess is completely unique. I've never had that same worry / fear / concern when I played baseball, football, etc. In fact, i'd say it's pretty unique to chess for some reason. Maybe a psychology study in the making?

[jeremytones]

Don't be scared homie - Nick Diaz (#1 contender for the Queen Belt)

[helmutalexanderrubiowilson]

I think Ding can motivate magnus again to compete for world championship because like he said.. against caruana he enjoy winning because he felt they were at same level.

[hypnoticpoisons]

i think basically magnus is only afraid of losing to himself- very inspiring. he doesn't want to witness himself getting worse. if he loses to someone equal or better than himself, he doesn't mind that much.

[EricSmythChrist]

He went 26-0 on atomic and finally lost and never played again

[raindropsonthewindowsill]

Sound like someone that’s bored due to lack of competition.

[cogybear]

When everyone knows you’re the best, you’ve nothing to prove…

[IssacEinstein]

Magnus Carlsen is scared of my smoke on the chess board

[plavyn]

Not sure I can get behind his reasoning here. Seems like he’s afraid to lose, so rather not play altogether. Before I thought he’s just not excited anymore to play, but not afraid