World chess champion Magnus Carlsen has revealed he is stepping back from deliberate chess practice. The reason? A shift in personal priorities as he prepares to become a father.
Carlsen recently explained that his focus is now on his growing family. He and his wife, Ella Victoria Malone, are expecting their first child. The couple married in January 2025. As Carlsen embraces this new chapter of life, he has chosen to reduce his usual intense training routine.
The Norwegian grandmaster shared his thoughts in an interview with The Athletic. “I have enough to do,” Carlsen said. “I got a wife. I got a kid on the way.” He added that, although he still keeps up with the chess world, he no longer engages in focused, deliberate practice. “I might play online. It’s fun. But deliberate practice? No, not really,” he admitted.
Carlsen’s comments follow a recent dip in his chess performance. He suffered back-to-back defeats to India’s teenage star and current world champion, D. Gukesh. The first loss came during a classical match in June 2025. The second was in the Rapid section of the SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz event in Zagreb, Croatia.
These performances have raised questions about Carlsen’s current form. Chess legend Garry Kasparov even commented on Carlsen’s recent struggles, questioning whether he still dominates the sport as he once did.
However, Carlsen appears unconcerned. He stated that chess remains both his job and his favorite hobby. But for now, his heart seems to lie more with his family than with competition.
Despite stepping back from training, Carlsen is not completely leaving the game. He still follows tournaments and plays online for fun. His decision reflects a desire to strike a balance between his personal life and professional commitments.
Carlsen’s honesty about his changing priorities gives fans a rare glimpse into the life of a champion beyond the board. As he prepares for fatherhood, it’s clear that his next move is one of love and family.
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