A glimpse into Magnus Carlsen's world - in conversation with SiGMA
In the corridors of the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, Malta, Magnus Carlsen sat in a private room waiting for his press interviews. Surrounded by his entourage and fans, security guards, journalists and photographers eager for a piece of the chess legend, Carlsen appeared drained. Sensing a hint of weariness, we took a gentle approach, aware of the toll that constant interviews can take, even on someone as composed as Carlsen.
“It was a nice conversation,” Carlsen said, speaking with SiGMA, referring to his on-stage interview with Next.io founder Pierre Lindh, his voice measured and calm. “Obviously, the most difficult part for me was the chess game,” he added, reflecting on the blindfolded match against Maltese champion Colin Pace, a game that, despite the expected outcome, had demanded more of him than anticipated. “He was a very good player, gave me a great fight, and he was honestly better for most of it.” Despite the challenge, Carlsen’s competitive nature shone through his blindfold. “I didn’t really expect to play a tough chess game today, but when I got into it, I didn’t want to lose. So, I managed to surf and come back.,” he added, modestly.
Carlsen’s presence in Malta was more than just about the game; it was about connecting with fans and promoting chess in new arenas. As the global ambassador for sports betting company he sees parallels between chess and strategic betting. “ is a young and innovative company; it’s exciting and really fun to be part of the journey that the company is on,” he remarked. “We are looking forward to exploring the full potential of it and for this partnership to continue in the coming years.”
Why chess captured the world’s imagination post-COVID
Commenting on the resurgence of chess’s popularity, Carlsen acknowledged the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and media portrayals. “Chess definitely saw quite a spike during COVID, where people were spending more time at home,” he noted. “It coincided with the immensely popular 2020 mini-series ‘Queen’s Gambit’ as well.” He also credited the rise of chess content on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram for attracting new audiences.
Despite his global fame, Carlsen remains grounded. “Being there and always having a lot of people around me is not something that necessarily comes naturally to me,” he admitted. “I generally prefer to be with more of a tight-knit circle of people.”
Carlsen’s achievements are unparalleled. He became a grandmaster at 13, reached the highest FIDE rating of 2882 in May 2014, a record that still stands, and held the World Chess Champion title from 2013 to 2023. His dominance spans classical, rapid, and blitz formats, and he continues to compete at the highest levels. In the recent Paris leg of the Freestyle Grand Slam, Carlsen triumphed over Japanese American chess grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura, showcasing his enduring brilliance.
As the brief interview concluded, Carlsen expressed his appreciation for Malta. “I didn’t really know what to expect, but it’s been really nice. The weather has been beautiful, and walking around the old town here is really nice.” He planned to explore some more before departing. “I’m leaving tomorrow morning, but I’ve got a few hours of exploration to do in the afternoon.”
Carlsen isn’t just a prodigy – he speaks with a sincerity that’s rare. There’s no performance, no filter. His straightforward frankness, combined with talent that is beyond extraordinary, is what sets him apart.
