Carlsen Says “Not Enjoying Chess” After Loss to Gukesh
In a candid post-match interview, World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen made a startling revelation following his back-to-back defeats to Indian teenage chess sensation D Gukesh in the SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz tournament. The five-time world champion confessed, “Honestly, I’m not enjoying playing chess at all right now. I just… I don’t feel any flow at all.” The admission reflects a deeper psychological struggle faced by the Norwegian grandmaster, once considered nearly unbeatable in any format.
Gukesh’s Rise as Carlsen Falters
Gukesh, fresh off his world championship triumph, has continued his brilliant form by defeating Carlsen twice in the same tournament. These victories were part of a stunning five-match winning streak that solidified Gukesh’s standing as a dominant force in the rapid and blitz format. Carlsen acknowledged the young champion’s performance, noting, “He’s doing incredibly well now… winning five games in a row is no mean feat.”
A Visible Strain on Carlsen
The defeats have left Carlsen visibly frustrated. In previous tournaments, including Norway Chess, he was seen slamming the table after blundering against Gukesh. His lack of enthusiasm for the classical format had already raised eyebrows, but now even his enjoyment of fast-paced games seems to be eroding. The once-charismatic champion appears to be wrestling with burnout, a feeling not uncommon among long-reigning elite athletes.
The Changing Landscape of Global Chess
Carlsen’s downturn coincides with the emergence of a new generation of elite players—Gukesh, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, and others—who are redefining competitive chess. Carlsen’s emotional candor highlights how even the sport’s most formidable player is not immune to mental fatigue and the pressures of maintaining dominance in an ever-evolving field.
