Carlsen takes a strong stance on Russia and Belarus’ readmission to the chess circuit

Magnus Carlsen, the strongest player in the world, has jumped headlong into the controversy surrounding the possible return of the Russian and Belarusian federations to the major chess circuit. The Norwegian, collecting a prestigious award from FIDE (International Federation), first paid homage to another phenomenon from the past, Garry Kasparov, and then called for the sanctions against the two countries, initiated after the invasion of Moscow’s troops in 2022, to be maintained.

Magnus, ‘The Goat’

Carlsen, in Budapest, during the Chess Olympiad, was awarded the prize for the strongest player of all time. The so-called ‘GOAT’. The current world number one, former holder of the title now held by the Chinese Ding Liren, went on stage visibly moved and, while accepting the award, wanted to give his personal opinion by crowning the one he believes to be the best chess player in history. “It’s a bit strange to receive this award while I’m still an active player,” he explained while receiving the trophy created for the occasion from the hands of FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. “I’m obviously happy to receive it, but in my personal opinion, I still think Garry Kasparov had a better chess career than me. I understand why I received this award, but he deserved it more.”

Garry Kasparov is still a chess icon today, despite no longer playing at a high level. But beyond his ‘magic’ on the chessboard, the Baku native is now a leader and a political activist who courageously opposes Putin’s actions, so much so that he has been included in the list of dangerous “extremists” by the Moscow government. Carlsen wanted to celebrate his commitment by giving him a voice from that stage: “I am sure that Garry would take this opportunity to advise against the readmission of the Russian and Belarusian Chess Federations (in FIDE, ed.) so that is what I want to do too”. The Norwegian is referring to the vote planned at the FIDE general assembly, on 21 and 22 September, on the controversial proposal by Kyrgyzstan to “absolve” the two countries and cancel the sanctions that currently concern them.

Kasparov’s response

Kasparov did not respond to his response, thanking Carlsen for his words but, above all, for his stance in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. “Of course I would, and I do! And I could hardly wish for a better successor than Magnus. You don’t have to be a high-profile person to be a great chess player, so it’s doubly impressive that he is both.”

During the FIDE Gala, as reported by Chess.com, other great personalities of the chess world were awarded, in 18 categories. Among these, thetitle of “Best Female Player” of all time, awarded to Judit Polgar,the only woman to have ever entered the world top 10. The Hungarian player, now an ambassador of this sport around the world, expressed her gratitude by thanking her parents, her sisters (also phenomenal players) and all the opponents she faced over the years.