Carlsen Will Give Up His Title, Will Not Defend in 2023

Magnus Carlsen, the World Chess Champion, will not defend his title in 2023.

Undefeated Magnus Carlsen was supposed to face Ian Nepomniachtchi again in the next World Chess Championship Match. Due to the refusal, the title will be contested by Nepo and Chinese GM Ding Liren, who finished second in the Candidates Tournament 2022.

Magnus Carlsen announced it on the “Magnus Effect” podcast.

“I was in Madrid and met with the FIDE management in the end of the Candidates Tournament. I had no demands or offers. I went there to tell them I won’t defend the title in the next match.”. Carlsen noted that the FIDE executives made him several offers, and he liked some of them.

“I’ve been thinking about this decision for a long time, more than a year and a half. I spoke with people from my team, with FIDE, with Ian. It’s very simple. I am not motivated to play another match.”