Magnus Carlsen, a Norwegian chess prodigy and former World Chess Champion, has spent over two decades dominating the chess world. At 33, he’s taking his career in a new direction, focusing not just on competition but on popularizing the game he loves. As Carlsen told The Associated Press, “I play for the love of the game.” This shift signifies a new chapter for Carlsen and the broader chess community as he brings his expertise to a wider audience.
Carlsen’s Rise to Chess Fame
From an early age, Carlsen’s chess talent was undeniable. At just 13, he achieved grandmaster status, and by 2011, he became the world’s top-ranked player. In 2014, he set the highest chess rating in history, an impressive 2882. Few players achieve the level of celebrity Carlsen has, and his influence in chess is matched only by legends like Garry Kasparov and Bobby Fischer. However, unlike his predecessors, Carlsen is now shifting away from pursuing professional titles and focuses instead on bringing chess to the mainstream.
A New Venture: The Take Take Take App
Carlsen’s latest project, the Take Take Take app, aims to make chess more accessible and engaging for casual fans. “It will be a chiller vibe,” he says, distinguishing it from platforms like YouTube and Twitch. The app allows users to follow live games with real-time explanations, appealing to those who may find traditional chess streaming too technical. The launch coincides with November’s World Chess Championship, where Carlsen plans to provide commentary and analysis despite stepping back from competitive play.
Leveraging Experience in Chess Tech
Carlsen is no stranger to digital chess innovations. His 2014 app, Play Magnus, allowed users to simulate games against a chess engine modeled on his gameplay. The app grew into a suite of popular chess applications, eventually selling to Chess.com for around $80 million in 2022. Now, Carlsen and Fantasy Chess CEO Mats Andre Kristiansen hope Take Take Take will capture a more casual audience through simplified commentary and interactive features.
Kristiansen explains, “That will come later, maybe with advertisements or deeper analysis,” hinting at a monetization plan to follow once the user base is established.
Facing Competition in a Crowded Market
Despite Carlsen’s popularity, Take Take Take faces fierce competition from Chess.com, YouTube, Twitch, and FIDE’s streaming site. Chess.com alone boasts over 100 million users, and with other platforms like World Chess valued at $54 million, Carlsen’s new app will need to carve out its niche. Still, Carlsen believes the app’s focus on accessibility and casual engagement will set it apart in a market traditionally aimed at experienced players.
The Influence of AI in Modern Chess
Artificial intelligence has transformed chess, offering tools that help players analyze positions and improve their game. Carlsen acknowledges this, saying, “Preparation is becoming deeper and deeper, and artificial intelligence is helping us play.” However, AI has also led to challenges like cheating, an issue highlighted in Carlsen’s public feud with American grandmaster Hans Niemann.
While Niemann has admitted to cheating in online games, there’s no evidence he cheated in live matches. Nevertheless, Carlsen’s decision to refuse a match against him brought global attention to the game, showing the impact of technology in modern chess.
Carlsen’s Legacy and the Future of Chess
Although Carlsen admits he doesn’t have the same energy as once, he remains passionate about the game. “My mind is a bit slower, and I may not have as much energy. But chess is about the coming together of energy, computing power, and experience,” he shared, underscoring his confidence in his skills. Carlsen’s influence has inspired a new wave of chess fans and players, with personalities like Hikaru Nakamura and shows like “The Queen’s Gambit” boosting the game’s popularity worldwide.
Magnus Carlsen’s transition from competitive chess to digital innovation marks an exciting new chapter for the game. By launching Take Take Take, he hopes to bring chess to a broader audience, offering an engaging, simplified experience. While Carlsen may no longer pursue titles with the same enthusiasm, his love for the game and commitment to its growth ensure his legacy will endure. As Carlsen shifts gears, the chess world will watch closely to see how his influence continues to shape the future of the sport.