Full conversation with Magnus Carlsen: th-cam.com/video/0ZO28NtkwwQ/w-d-xo.html Quick note from Lex: The camera on Magnus died 20 minutes in. Most folks still just listen to audio-only version, but here on TH-cam we did our best to still make it interesting to watch & listen by adding image overlays. I mess things up sometimes, like in this case, and it hits me hard when I do. I'm sorry for this. I'm always working hard to improve. I hope you understand. Thank you for your patience and support along the way. I love you all.
@@bg2438 did you even read the comment? Do you not make any mistakes, ever? Who knows, maybe the equipment failed him, despite best efforts. Grace is called for.
these comments are something else. magnus is undeniably the strongest player in the world, by quite a large margin. he’s bored, he’s tired, he has nothing left to prove, and everyone in the chess world knows it, even if they are disappointed with his decision.
It's NOT about him, that is the point. He is being completely selfish. All champions had to learn to deal with the loss of the title, the fear, the angst. But for everyone else beating them is the best thing they will ever do, it's an honour for them. Carlsen took the honour when he became champion and is not giving it to the next champion? That's total cowardice because he doesn't want to deal with the negative aspects of losing it.
@@bengaliinplatforms1268 he has earned the right to be selfish. the greatest chess player of all time can do what he likes with his title. he earned it 5 times in a row.
@@bengaliinplatforms1268 Only in chess do people care about the new champion beating the old champion. Many athletes in other sports have quit at the height of their career, as champions. Nobody says "oh he has to continue playing until he loses to the next champion or else he is selfish." People can make their own choices. Magnus doesn't want to deal with the psychological burden anymore, so just let the man be happy and live his life. "Cowardice", "honour", you are talking like chess is the most serious thing in the world. It's just a game.
@@wZem Because that's the way the historic champions have done it. Every sport or game has their own traditions. There's no sense in his 5th title saying this is all wrong. He's made his life out of winning this tournament the way it is, people don't get to change the game while on top. He isn't quitting, that is the point. It's not for his health. It's because it's harder. That's the simple fact. And he wants it easier. That's not good enough, if he wants he can lose it and be under no pressure. But running away deprives everyone else of being part of history, the same way Carlsen benefitted from it.
One thing to keep in mind is "World Chess Championship" is like "World Series" it's an owned name by some company that puts it on. Magnus doenst like that they dont make former champions climb the ladder again, but just have him waiting around like the boss in a kung fu movie to take on the other player that makes it. He suggested this rule change, they denied it because they like their tradition, so he said "Meh, I dont want to play your game anymore" Fair enough. He's still the best in the world based on his ranking and one tournament where a bad day can screw it all up doesnt change the statistical reality of his strengths. If he's not having fun he should do other things. If this ruins the "World Chess Championship's" prestige that's their fault for not attracting the highest level of competition.
@Benjamin Gross Yet he was happy to take the honour, the privileges and the sense of identity he got from winning it that way. He's not bigger than the tournament, he can't just demand they change the rules. You can bet your house had he lost his title already he would be entering. He know he's there to be beaten, it's an honour for someone to beat him. And he doesn't like that. He is being selfish and a coward.
He's so honest about the fear of losing. It's definitely a super rare feeling of being in the shoes of someone like Magnus Carlsen. I just want to put my two cents here- Fear of losing is what should drive us rather than making us quit. But then who am i to judge never knowing the pressure of being Magnus freaking Carlsen.
I'm pretty sure he said it's 'the fear of losing to players that he's better than'. Sitting with that disappointment for an amount of time is really what he's talking about.
@@bluemystic7501 change is the only constant. You are not always going to be the best. And that statement is contradictory- how are you better than them if you lose against them. A better reason to leave would be to just enjoy chess without the fear of losing, of learning from people younger than you who are ready to take over from you as you grow. But then again as I said, I am far off from Carlsen in chess prowess.
A really good analogy is from Dark Knight Rises where Bruce lets the fear of dying without being able to do anything drive him to come out of the well prison and save his city. But when he's done with that job he just lets go. Not because of the fear of dying but just to be happy and to let someone else have a chance of training and becoming even better than him. As they say, the powerful play goes on. You just have to contribute your verse and then let others do the same.
@@manendra_jha philosophy is easy,real life is different,he is not wrong in doing whatever he is doing,and no one can ever feel his pressure,not us never,so it's better to just respect opinion as it is non harming. Everything has something to learn from.
@@sunset1394 you said it- opinion is non harming and so I have mine. Also, someday some of us will surpass, might not in chess(who knows) but in greatness of life. The one who thinks he can and the one who thinks he can't are both usually right.
Very common feeling when the fear of losing is so incredibly bad that the joy of winning pales in comparison. I know friends that have quit their sport because of it. They got so all out devastated when losing.
Great interview! No worries about the camera thing. We know you well enough, Lex, to know that you are beating yourself up far more than anyone else would. I usually just watch the first 30 minutes of video, to get the flavor, then do something else while listening to the interview in the background.
@@saguaroh9407 not at all lame. It's also his legacy besides psychological impact. Which is why Mayweather chooses his opponents carefully and maximizes his returns on his matches. Nothing unexpected really. if u don't expect this behavior I suggest maybe you're not thinking str8
@@saguaroh9407 Not at all. He's climbed the highest mountain and achieved the world championship. He still loves playing chess, which he can do in other tournaments. His stature, oddly, will be even greater if he continues to play but never goes back to defend his title.
@@saguaroh9407 my interpretation is that, having done this event, he’s already experienced the fact that fear of losing is the predominant feeling he has when participating, which is unique for this event. So I don’t interpret it as him not defending his title because he’s afraid of losing, per se, he’s just already done it before and he knows that’s the predominant feeling and he’d rather not go into something where he knows it’s not going to be fun.
@@saguaroh9407 also I am sure he has plenty of opportunity to play up and comers. If he was scared of a particular player I agree that’d be a pretty lame reason.
@@bengaliinplatforms1268 thank you for the semantic correction. He’s forfeiting rather than choosing not to enter the match. Either way he’s choosing not to play. It’s only meaningless to weird people like you. Every sport, game, or competition continues on regardless if a great player retires or not.
I’d have to agree with Magnus. Playing Nepo again really doesn’t make sense. Nepo is really good playing against players outside the top 5 because his style is super unconventional but not so good against the likes of Magnus, Ding and Fabi
I get it. At this point, he wants to have fun more than he wants another two years as reigning world champion. He's already proven himself. Now he wants to enjoy himself.
In case anybody's still wondering, the more detailed reasons for his decision to not defend his title can be found on other interviews such as the one he had with Oxford Union. That way, if you're interested, you'll understand why cause it has everything to do with FIDE's policy. But as always remarkable podcast, Lex.
I've been a chess player for many decades and completely sympathize with the GOAT. The fear of losing in chess is completely unique. I've never had that same worry / fear / concern when I played baseball, football, etc. In fact, i'd say it's pretty unique to chess for some reason. Maybe a psychology study in the making?
Probably just a result of chess being a 1v1 activity, that makes it a lot more personal than team sports. I feel like its a lot easier for the ego to get involved when you’re going purely man vs man at something
@@nicklewry3854 Maybe so. I played tennis and wrestled and don't recall having the same anxiety as in chess. Loved sports so liked to participate / win, but wasn't gripped by fear. Chess is different in that way for me as well. I have avoided competing over the years due to the performance anxiety.
Nah. Like lex mentioned. Same in UFC or boxing. It's personal record and legacy. U can also have the same fear of losing soccer title if you're personally committed to winning it. It's just that you care less cuz u don't keep track of it
@@nicklewry3854 I agree. It's probably the ego. When people ask what your rank is, who u lost to etc. For competitive players it's much words, especially the intense work they had to put in n then to slog it out to defend their legacy
Someone commented "Brady and Jordan defend their titles and it's tragic for Carslen not to" - here's copy pasted reply (I think it addresses why) >>Comparing a team-based sport vs solo-based is improper. If Jordan or Brady lose, it's debatable on whether its the rest of the team or him alone that caused failure. Chess, it's 100% your fault if you lose. No debate.
i think basically magnus is only afraid of losing to himself- very inspiring. he doesn't want to witness himself getting worse. if he loses to someone equal or better than himself, he doesn't mind that much.
I think Ding can motivate magnus again to compete for world championship because like he said.. against caruana he enjoy winning because he felt they were at same level.
@@NicePodcastLive what logic is that? Never?? Will never be a challenger worthy thats it its done? No 1 else should bother playing every again with that thought
You don't tho. You can just move onto a different championship tournament. Just because someone is the best doesn't mean you deserve a chance to play them if they don't want to anymore. Mfs are so dumb its crazy.@@bengaliinplatforms1268
So many chess players are scared of their own shadow. It doesn't surprise me that fear keeps the best player in the world from playing. In my opinion that fear ruined the game by the style Most play. The best players in chess are the ones trying not to lose. A weak mindset that breeds fear.
@T S Are u really saying magnus scared to play?lmao He just bored,u clearly never win anything if think its about losing especially against someone u beat 6-3 u play the same guy u beat positively before? its boring u remember khabib? he also retired in his prime when he is unbeatable based on ur logic=Khabib also scared of losing so he chosed to retire and not fighting the wc anymore
@T S Who on Earth are you to criticise legends of their sports for their decisions? Like seriously, what have you ever accomplished? I doubt you've ever put in the effort to reach your potential in anything.
People: Now the championship title won't matter because the challenger won't beat the true champion! Magnus: I missed the part where that's my problem. Anyway, gonna go back to living my life how I want to now
Not sure I can get behind his reasoning here. Seems like he’s afraid to lose, so rather not play altogether. Before I thought he’s just not excited anymore to play, but not afraid
@@NicePodcastLive same as any champion then. To be honest I respected his previous reason of not being excited by the challenge any more. But “afraid to lose, so I’d rather not play” i don’t get
It is becasue of the stress of preforming only 1v1s every year and months of prep to play that one match. The stress like they said isn't about losing he wants to play against players that are close or even to him. When he knows he is better than a player and he has to do all of that prep just for a chance that he could lose against someone that is not even close to is rating is stressful and there is no point to him. He's rather play and just get his rating as high as possible and play more games and become more efficient and better at chess than anyone ever than only playing these 1v1s where they don't make him go through the entire ladder again. He could play other world championship leagues and tournaments.
It's the Barry Sanders technique. Quit while you're the best and everyone will assume you were the greatest ever. To be fair though Barry and Magnus may be the best ever in their fields.
So basically the world champ gave up the chance to solidify his legacy because of Fear. He is afraid he's going to lose. Even tho he is better and he will probably never lose. Cowardice can stop the best of men. Heavy is the crown, and Magnus cave to the pressure. Gukesh and Ding Liren who aren't even top 3 in the world will play for the nr 1 spot instead. Mentality is so important.
He’s successfully defended last year against the person challenging him again this year. The world championships are grueling and he has other priorities like achieving 2900 ratings and playing against 10 top players instead of just one guy again and again.
By not defending his world championship title, Magnus by default loses it. So it’s all a psychological issue that he prefers to make the choice, than to lose it against his will. I’m not sure I agree with it, but it’s entirely of course his choice and right.
It’s also difficulty because he won’t lose. Not this time, probably not even the next time. So he has to grind trough that shit every time just not to lose the title. And then once he gets to tired/old he will finally lose it and it won’t mean anything anymore.
@@vinityaduvanshi44 True, he really got the chess-organizers at the balls. Whichever tournament he decides to play, will be looked at as the one to win, by the experts, the players and the fans!
Lex... As the World's smartest man I literally invented new rules to Chess! A new rule for every piece of the game on top of Classic Chess! It's called King Rules! I'm trying to play a game both the new and the old way with Magnus to teach him the new rules!
I like playing variants. There were many chess games before chess of the mad queen. Some of them are fun. There have been many sense also: hoard, bughouse, and antichess are some favorites.
A lot of comments here giving their opinion on what THE GREATEST CHESS PLAYER of all time is or should do. Gain some perspective to all of you. None of you know what it's like to be him and operate at his level.
I don’t think that’s what he is saying here. He is saying that the enjoyment for him is gone when he plays worlds because the motivation to play and win is derived from fear of losing because his identity/brand is that of a champion and there would be too many changes in his life that he’s anxious about if suddenly that brand/identity were to change. These changes have more to do with everyday life rather than the game of chess itself. It makes sense because the joy from the game disappears and you can only think of the consequences outside the game.
@@VeritasForYou I disagree. Time and time again world champions speak of losing their love for the game/sport because of outside distractions. The truly greats reach the top because they first and foremost love the game/sport they compete in. You don’t get that good by doing something you hate. Granted there is a trade-off where they must work hard and sacrifice other things but the sacrifice is worth it because it’s done for something they love and enjoy doing. If they feel that love/joy fading, the sacrifice stops making sense. Why do something if it no longer brings you joy? Sounds like masochism at that point.
In my opinion, Magnus should defend his championship Because even if he loses the game, the fans will still love him. But if he does not defend, chess fans will not be happy
It's really not fair for him to have to play Nepo again after he crushed him in the last one. He's clearly head and shoulders better than everyone else. Firouza is the only one who has a chance and he probably still needs a few years to mature his playing. Besides, Magnus has made getting to 2900 rating his priority and this gives him the best chance by being able to play in the Candidates Tournament next year.
@@pucek365 He is the most talented. He's only 19 and was second in the world recently. Magnus was playing mind games with him and he crumbled under the pressure. That's why I said he needs a few years to mature.
From Candidates, it appeared Firoujza is not where in the orbit of defeating Carlsen. I would say two more candidates before he is ready. Nepo crushed dominated the Candidates. By extension, had magnus played anyone else, he would simply have crushed them harder than Nepo. Let's say Firoujza was magically chosen by fide to play carlsen for world championship.. it would've been an absolute massacre..
@@arun-it9gr Not buying that. One bad tournament doesn't mean anything. He's currently tied for the lead in the St. Louis Rapid & Blitz with the best players in the world. Watch and see.
He did say that he intends to play the match if Firouzja wins; maybe same for Duda and Rapport - one of the new guys. With them, there can be huge leaps in a short amount of time, and it could be that somehow their progression leads them to the point where they are at his level at the time of the match. It's more interesting. As for changing the nature of the World Championship title, to make it so that the winner doesn't get a personal hold on it, and an automatic spot at the next match... It is all greater than even him. This is what makes the World Champion title special, and it shouldn't end now - we have to keep this for future generations also. It was the right thing for him to do, to bow down now. I think he is focussing on the right things - it'll be very hard to get to 2900. If he does do that, i see him then letting himself go loose a bit more, and potentially conjuring a couple evergreen games. That would put him right up there with Kasparov (if only he/we had a Karpov alongside, this whole time).
Yeah it's an interesting perspective he has, he's only nervous about losing to someone worse than him. It actually reminds me of that clip of him as a little kid casually saying "Yeah, I probably can't beat Kasparov, but Karpov, maybe."
A bad System shouldn't be kept out of tradition. The current champion has an unfair advantage by skipping right to the finale and its reasonable to let everyone do the whole tournament
He is talking about perfection and I would expect him to have a better understanding of that. You CANNOT COMPARE FIGHTING AND THE UFC TO CHESS. The fighters will fight maybe 35-45 times in their career and only 2 have 0 losses on their record. Magnus has played thousands of high level chess matches and he is by far the best. I understand what he is saying, but he is allowing just the thought of losing to weigh him down. Save that energy if you do lose. He is a beast though, you have to take the fun out of it, they say they have fun out of the love for chess but they are definitely not having fun during those crazy high level matches
(Get your thumbs down thumb ready.) I am a big Magnus fan and I've always liked LeBron James. My only gripe against James is how he walked off the court after loosing the NBA Finals final game without shaking anyone's hand. That Magnus is giving up is a bit of a knock against his legacy. Yes, he will continue to play tournaments, but still.
UFC is the WORST when it comes to the fear of losing. To have another man beat you in a combat sport is absolutely devastating. I'd say team sports have the least fear in losing because the pressure isn't all on you
I don't think McGregor ever turned down anyone ever. If you want to hate on someone in a video that had nothing to do with that person at least say something that's even true.
connor mcgregor is a legend wether he done the dumbest shit in sports history doesnt matter about his credentials.. just think that this man went 11 rounds with the greatest boxer to ever live in his weight class... no one can say shit about mcgregor unless u calling money mayweather trash? lol
It wouldn't be a new challenger, he has already faced Nepo and demolished him. Ask anyone in the chess world, there is no quesiton that Magnus is number 1. Instead he wishes to focus on getting a rating of 2900
Tom Brady wont just give up in his prime, Jordan wont just give up, Federer did not just give up. Carlsen is in his prime, to walk away in ur prime is a great tragedy.
He owes it to the tournament that gave him so much of his identity. His logic is completely self serving. Every single champion had to live with that fear and had to lose, and learn to live with it. Him just throwing that away like it doesn't mean anything is delusional and self serving, and also cowardice. Beating him is an honour, he needs to realise that for someone else beating him will be the best thing they do in their life. That isn't something you can toss away with his weak, selfish reasoning.
Not a cool thing to do for multiple reasons. I do agree with Carlsen wanting world champion to not be automatic in final etc but play tournaments etc qualify each time. Did Kasparov and Karpov give up ? No! Overall resumes Kasparov and Karpov 1 and 2. Then Carlsen then everyone else. Carlsen has time to surpass both if he stays active etc.
He's won 5 times, he has nothing to prove. And this ideaology here makes some sense, in the context, that he doesn't want to lose something hard to gain to someone who was inferior. He still relishes competition, just from his equal or better. I don't agree with him, but he definitely makes a point
He wouldn't be diminished by losing. All the greatest in every sport loses sometimes. They are still revered. It's such a shame he won't compete again because of fear of losing.
Incorrect. The fear of losing is what drives the best as well as the pursuit of winning. Not trying because of the fear of losing is cowardly. Depends what the person's reasons are.
wierd logic, you know you are so much better then why would you be afraid to lose, if you cannot convert winning positions then you are not so much better. Excuses, you dont just give up the championship, you make ur opponents take it away, and if they do for whatever reason, then you try it get it back next time. This is not rocket science.
u have no idea how much it takes to prepare for wc title. And as magnus already told, he has nothing to gain. So he would use so much energy and effort for nothing at all.
I'm no chess player, but i'm a Go player. In go, there is no such thing as a draw. You can literally win by 0.5 points. But i hear that in chess, you have something like 30% draws. It's possible that chess is a game where, if someone is just a little bit better, he can't necessarily win. Whereas he would win everytime, if it was Go.
He doesn’t need to prove it to you , Why he so much better than others, his rating speaks for himself😂. And also you are talking like you know what it’s to be in his position
What an unintelligent fear. Scared someone less skilled in chess will beat you. Chess isn't a game of luck, but all it's components involve skill. If someone beats you in positions you've studied less than them, they are better than you in that position. How many positions do you need to beat someone in to call yourself better than them?
This is pathetic haha so he’s not gunna defend his title? Then strip him and move on. If a Ufc fighter wouldn’t defend he’d be ridiculed beyond belief.
the difference here is that magnus carlsen is undeniably the strongest player in the world. the gap between him and everyone else is significant. he’s just bored at the top. he even said he would only defend the title if one of the new young players of the next generation was the challenger. he has nothing left to prove
Full conversation with Magnus Carlsen: th-cam.com/video/0ZO28NtkwwQ/w-d-xo.html
Quick note from Lex: The camera on Magnus died 20 minutes in. Most folks still just listen to audio-only version, but here on TH-cam we did our best to still make it interesting to watch & listen by adding image overlays. I mess things up sometimes, like in this case, and it hits me hard when I do. I'm sorry for this. I'm always working hard to improve. I hope you understand. Thank you for your patience and support along the way. I love you all.
Chess, the ultimate lense into ones mind eye 😎🙏
Do better next time. We can’t even see the video. It’s annoying.
@@bg2438 did you even read the comment? Do you not make any mistakes, ever? Who knows, maybe the equipment failed him, despite best efforts.
Grace is called for.
@@thelawfus It was 9 days ago, calm down.
these comments are something else. magnus is undeniably the strongest player in the world, by quite a large margin. he’s bored, he’s tired, he has nothing left to prove, and everyone in the chess world knows it, even if they are disappointed with his decision.
It's NOT about him, that is the point. He is being completely selfish. All champions had to learn to deal with the loss of the title, the fear, the angst. But for everyone else beating them is the best thing they will ever do, it's an honour for them. Carlsen took the honour when he became champion and is not giving it to the next champion? That's total cowardice because he doesn't want to deal with the negative aspects of losing it.
@@bengaliinplatforms1268 he has earned the right to be selfish. the greatest chess player of all time can do what he likes with his title. he earned it 5 times in a row.
At this point for him the cost exceeds the benefit. Want him to play? *Come up with the coin!* 💰
@@bengaliinplatforms1268 Only in chess do people care about the new champion beating the old champion. Many athletes in other sports have quit at the height of their career, as champions. Nobody says "oh he has to continue playing until he loses to the next champion or else he is selfish." People can make their own choices. Magnus doesn't want to deal with the psychological burden anymore, so just let the man be happy and live his life. "Cowardice", "honour", you are talking like chess is the most serious thing in the world. It's just a game.
@@wZem Because that's the way the historic champions have done it. Every sport or game has their own traditions. There's no sense in his 5th title saying this is all wrong. He's made his life out of winning this tournament the way it is, people don't get to change the game while on top.
He isn't quitting, that is the point. It's not for his health. It's because it's harder. That's the simple fact. And he wants it easier. That's not good enough, if he wants he can lose it and be under no pressure. But running away deprives everyone else of being part of history, the same way Carlsen benefitted from it.
One thing to keep in mind is "World Chess Championship" is like "World Series" it's an owned name by some company that puts it on. Magnus doenst like that they dont make former champions climb the ladder again, but just have him waiting around like the boss in a kung fu movie to take on the other player that makes it. He suggested this rule change, they denied it because they like their tradition, so he said "Meh, I dont want to play your game anymore" Fair enough. He's still the best in the world based on his ranking and one tournament where a bad day can screw it all up doesnt change the statistical reality of his strengths. If he's not having fun he should do other things. If this ruins the "World Chess Championship's" prestige that's their fault for not attracting the highest level of competition.
Excuses. He can choose not to enter and the next World Champ will have nothing to apologize for.
@Benjamin Gross Yet he was happy to take the honour, the privileges and the sense of identity he got from winning it that way. He's not bigger than the tournament, he can't just demand they change the rules. You can bet your house had he lost his title already he would be entering. He know he's there to be beaten, it's an honour for someone to beat him. And he doesn't like that. He is being selfish and a coward.
well said!!
Why didn’t he say any of this
@@AdiFingold He did in a podcast.
He's so honest about the fear of losing. It's definitely a super rare feeling of being in the shoes of someone like Magnus Carlsen. I just want to put my two cents here- Fear of losing is what should drive us rather than making us quit. But then who am i to judge never knowing the pressure of being Magnus freaking Carlsen.
I'm pretty sure he said it's 'the fear of losing to players that he's better than'. Sitting with that disappointment for an amount of time is really what he's talking about.
@@bluemystic7501 change is the only constant. You are not always going to be the best. And that statement is contradictory- how are you better than them if you lose against them. A better reason to leave would be to just enjoy chess without the fear of losing, of learning from people younger than you who are ready to take over from you as you grow. But then again as I said, I am far off from Carlsen in chess prowess.
A really good analogy is from Dark Knight Rises where Bruce lets the fear of dying without being able to do anything drive him to come out of the well prison and save his city. But when he's done with that job he just lets go. Not because of the fear of dying but just to be happy and to let someone else have a chance of training and becoming even better than him. As they say, the powerful play goes on. You just have to contribute your verse and then let others do the same.
@@manendra_jha philosophy is easy,real life is different,he is not wrong in doing whatever he is doing,and no one can ever feel his pressure,not us never,so it's better to just respect opinion as it is non harming. Everything has something to learn from.
@@sunset1394 you said it- opinion is non harming and so I have mine. Also, someday some of us will surpass, might not in chess(who knows) but in greatness of life. The one who thinks he can and the one who thinks he can't are both usually right.
Very common feeling when the fear of losing is so incredibly bad that the joy of winning pales in comparison. I know friends that have quit their sport because of it. They got so all out devastated when losing.
"A strange game. The only winning move is not to play"
Great interview! No worries about the camera thing. We know you well enough, Lex, to know that you are beating yourself up far more than anyone else would. I usually just watch the first 30 minutes of video, to get the flavor, then do something else while listening to the interview in the background.
(and being scared of losing is the lamest reason I've ever heard for not defending a title)
@@saguaroh9407 not at all lame. It's also his legacy besides psychological impact.
Which is why Mayweather chooses his opponents carefully and maximizes his returns on his matches.
Nothing unexpected really. if u don't expect this behavior I suggest maybe you're not thinking str8
@@saguaroh9407 Not at all. He's climbed the highest mountain and achieved the world championship. He still loves playing chess, which he can do in other tournaments. His stature, oddly, will be even greater if he continues to play but never goes back to defend his title.
@@saguaroh9407 my interpretation is that, having done this event, he’s already experienced the fact that fear of losing is the predominant feeling he has when participating, which is unique for this event. So I don’t interpret it as him not defending his title because he’s afraid of losing, per se, he’s just already done it before and he knows that’s the predominant feeling and he’d rather not go into something where he knows it’s not going to be fun.
@@saguaroh9407 also I am sure he has plenty of opportunity to play up and comers. If he was scared of a particular player I agree that’d be a pretty lame reason.
Imagine the next World Champ winning, knowing Carlsen(the best player) was not present. Wouldn't be of more value compared to winning against Carlsen.
id rather lose to magnus and be #2 than be fake #1 ANYDAY ..... totally agree with you
Yeah but he’s so far choosing not to enter. The next World Champ will have nothing to apologize about since Magnus is too “stressed” about losing.
@@vinnyv949 He's forfeiting, he's not choosing not to enter. Completely different. It's meaningless tournament now
@@bengaliinplatforms1268 thank you for the semantic correction. He’s forfeiting rather than choosing not to enter the match. Either way he’s choosing not to play. It’s only meaningless to weird people like you. Every sport, game, or competition continues on regardless if a great player retires or not.
@@vinnyv949 If this is meaningless he should quit everything, it’s all meaningless then, his whole career
I’d have to agree with Magnus. Playing Nepo again really doesn’t make sense. Nepo is really good playing against players outside the top 5 because his style is super unconventional but not so good against the likes of Magnus, Ding and Fabi
I get it. At this point, he wants to have fun more than he wants another two years as reigning world champion. He's already proven himself. Now he wants to enjoy himself.
In case anybody's still wondering, the more detailed reasons for his decision to not defend his title can be found on other interviews such as the one he had with Oxford Union. That way, if you're interested, you'll understand why cause it has everything to do with FIDE's policy. But as always remarkable podcast, Lex.
I've been a chess player for many decades and completely sympathize with the GOAT. The fear of losing in chess is completely unique. I've never had that same worry / fear / concern when I played baseball, football, etc. In fact, i'd say it's pretty unique to chess for some reason. Maybe a psychology study in the making?
Probably just a result of chess being a 1v1 activity, that makes it a lot more personal than team sports. I feel like its a lot easier for the ego to get involved when you’re going purely man vs man at something
@@nicklewry3854 Maybe so. I played tennis and wrestled and don't recall having the same anxiety as in chess. Loved sports so liked to participate / win, but wasn't gripped by fear. Chess is different in that way for me as well. I have avoided competing over the years due to the performance anxiety.
Nah. Like lex mentioned. Same in UFC or boxing. It's personal record and legacy.
U can also have the same fear of losing soccer title if you're personally committed to winning it. It's just that you care less cuz u don't keep track of it
@@nicklewry3854 I agree. It's probably the ego. When people ask what your rank is, who u lost to etc. For competitive players it's much words, especially the intense work they had to put in n then to slog it out to defend their legacy
Someone commented "Brady and Jordan defend their titles and it's tragic for Carslen not to" - here's copy pasted reply (I think it addresses why)
>>Comparing a team-based sport vs solo-based is improper. If Jordan or Brady lose, it's debatable on whether its the rest of the team or him alone that caused failure. Chess, it's 100% your fault if you lose. No debate.
Sound like someone that’s bored due to lack of competition.
yep look at Ding vs Nepo, they are the two next best currently after Magnus and both are way below Magnus's level.
Don't be scared homie - Nick Diaz (#1 contender for the Queen Belt)
i think basically magnus is only afraid of losing to himself- very inspiring. he doesn't want to witness himself getting worse. if he loses to someone equal or better than himself, he doesn't mind that much.
I think Ding can motivate magnus again to compete for world championship because like he said.. against caruana he enjoy winning because he felt they were at same level.
When everyone knows you’re the best, you’ve nothing to prove…
You do, you have to defend your title.
@@NicePodcastLive what logic is that? Never?? Will never be a challenger worthy thats it its done? No 1 else should bother playing every again with that thought
You don't tho. You can just move onto a different championship tournament. Just because someone is the best doesn't mean you deserve a chance to play them if they don't want to anymore. Mfs are so dumb its crazy.@@bengaliinplatforms1268
He went 26-0 on atomic and finally lost and never played again
Magnus Carlsen is scared of my smoke on the chess board
So many chess players are scared of their own shadow. It doesn't surprise me that fear keeps the best player in the world from playing. In my opinion that fear ruined the game by the style Most play. The best players in chess are the ones trying not to lose. A weak mindset that breeds fear.
bruh, are you implying Magnus has a weak mindset?
@T S
Are u really saying magnus scared to play?lmao
He just bored,u clearly never win anything if think its about losing
especially against someone u beat 6-3
u play the same guy u beat positively before?
its boring
u remember khabib?
he also retired in his prime when he is unbeatable
based on ur logic=Khabib also scared of losing so he chosed to retire and not fighting the wc anymore
@T S Who on Earth are you to criticise legends of their sports for their decisions? Like seriously, what have you ever accomplished? I doubt you've ever put in the effort to reach your potential in anything.
@T S There is no logic to your argument, just bitterness.
@T S Since when is fear logical in the first place? You're trying to bring logic into something inherently illogical.
People: Now the championship title won't matter because the challenger won't beat the true champion!
Magnus: I missed the part where that's my problem. Anyway, gonna go back to living my life how I want to now
Why there is no video but just photo
Not sure I can get behind his reasoning here. Seems like he’s afraid to lose, so rather not play altogether. Before I thought he’s just not excited anymore to play, but not afraid
@@NicePodcastLive same as any champion then. To be honest I respected his previous reason of not being excited by the challenge any more. But “afraid to lose, so I’d rather not play” i don’t get
It is becasue of the stress of preforming only 1v1s every year and months of prep to play that one match. The stress like they said isn't about losing he wants to play against players that are close or even to him. When he knows he is better than a player and he has to do all of that prep just for a chance that he could lose against someone that is not even close to is rating is stressful and there is no point to him. He's rather play and just get his rating as high as possible and play more games and become more efficient and better at chess than anyone ever than only playing these 1v1s where they don't make him go through the entire ladder again. He could play other world championship leagues and tournaments.
It's the Barry Sanders technique. Quit while you're the best and everyone will assume you were the greatest ever. To be fair though Barry and Magnus may be the best ever in their fields.
The format needs to change. Make it a yearly thing.
So basically the world champ gave up the chance to solidify his legacy because of Fear. He is afraid he's going to lose. Even tho he is better and he will probably never lose. Cowardice can stop the best of men. Heavy is the crown, and Magnus cave to the pressure. Gukesh and Ding Liren who aren't even top 3 in the world will play for the nr 1 spot instead. Mentality is so important.
The champ has got to defend. Win Or lose, it’s the way it’s always been. Otherwise you are just padding your ego.
Gotta appreciate his honesty though
He’s successfully defended last year against the person challenging him again this year. The world championships are grueling and he has other priorities like achieving 2900 ratings and playing against 10 top players instead of just one guy again and again.
First you become the world champion and then you tell others what they have to do
It's amazing how you managed to say so many wrong things with such few words
The 5x champ does whatever the fuck he wants
-- magnor mccarlsen
By not defending his world championship title, Magnus by default loses it. So it’s all a psychological issue that he prefers to make the choice, than to lose it against his will. I’m not sure I agree with it, but it’s entirely of course his choice and right.
It’s also difficulty because he won’t lose. Not this time, probably not even the next time.
So he has to grind trough that shit every time just not to lose the title. And then once he gets to tired/old he will finally lose it and it won’t mean anything anymore.
He’s gonna let the World Chess CHAMP win, and carry it. But I’ll promise you he will win it back again the next time. Meanwhile he’s gonna chase 2900.
And just imagine he refuses again to defend it…..man that would destroy the value of championship…….but that would be like a GOAT move.
@@vinityaduvanshi44 True, he really got the chess-organizers at the balls. Whichever tournament he decides to play, will be looked at as the one to win, by the experts, the players and the fans!
"Khabib enters the chat" LOLLLL 💀
Millennial. I dont follow chess that much. But he sounds like he needs a participation award at this point.
Lex... As the World's smartest man I literally invented new rules to Chess! A new rule for every piece of the game on top of Classic Chess! It's called King Rules! I'm trying to play a game both the new and the old way with Magnus to teach him the new rules!
I like playing variants. There were many chess games before chess of the mad queen. Some of them are fun. There have been many sense also: hoard, bughouse, and antichess are some favorites.
@@merlin4real I've played people many games both classic and King rules and much prefer the new rules!
I believe in a 1 on 1 match setting Ding and So at their best are his current worst matchups due to their stability and playing styles.
Ding yes, So no… So is so inconsistent is hard to even explain, yes he has his days but super inconsistent and only plays good for a couple of matches
A lot of comments here giving their opinion on what THE GREATEST CHESS PLAYER of all time is or should do.
Gain some perspective to all of you. None of you know what it's like to be him and operate at his level.
Nor would I want to live in such fear
Great Chess players make terrible decisions in life time and again. This is one of those times. People have every right to criticise them
Well, he’s the “former” world champion now, regardless.
In what sport or tournament does the champ refuse to defend his title out of the fear of losing? 🤨
I don’t think that’s what he is saying here. He is saying that the enjoyment for him is gone when he plays worlds because the motivation to play and win is derived from fear of losing because his identity/brand is that of a champion and there would be too many changes in his life that he’s anxious about if suddenly that brand/identity were to change. These changes have more to do with everyday life rather than the game of chess itself. It makes sense because the joy from the game disappears and you can only think of the consequences outside the game.
Nico Rosberg.
Milenials...
What else so you expect from them
@@drey1407 It is his job, enjoyment is the worst argument here!
@@VeritasForYou I disagree. Time and time again world champions speak of losing their love for the game/sport because of outside distractions. The truly greats reach the top because they first and foremost love the game/sport they compete in. You don’t get that good by doing something you hate. Granted there is a trade-off where they must work hard and sacrifice other things but the sacrifice is worth it because it’s done for something they love and enjoy doing. If they feel that love/joy fading, the sacrifice stops making sense. Why do something if it no longer brings you joy? Sounds like masochism at that point.
This is chess not checkers..
In my opinion, Magnus should defend his championship
Because even if he loses the game, the fans will still love him. But if he does not defend, chess fans will not be happy
And why exactly should he care about whether the fans will be upset or not? He's accomplished enough.
@@SoumilSahu Then he should retire and stfu.
What of it? He owes them nothing. Their happiness isn't his responsibility. It's theirs.
Yes, from Magnus' point of view:
You are right
But in our opinion (fans):
We like Magnus to be in the tournament
@@worldchesschampionship5249 You're entitled to hope he plays. That's not the same thing as that he should play.
Stress stopping someone from competing is wild
so if someone reaches his ranking and become wc, magnus will potentially compete again... get on it alireza!
It's really not fair for him to have to play Nepo again after he crushed him in the last one. He's clearly head and shoulders better than everyone else. Firouza is the only one who has a chance and he probably still needs a few years to mature his playing. Besides, Magnus has made getting to 2900 rating his priority and this gives him the best chance by being able to play in the Candidates Tournament next year.
Have you watched Firouzja's performance in candidates? What is your opinion about him based on?
@@pucek365 He is the most talented. He's only 19 and was second in the world recently. Magnus was playing mind games with him and he crumbled under the pressure. That's why I said he needs a few years to mature.
From Candidates, it appeared Firoujza is not where in the orbit of defeating Carlsen. I would say two more candidates before he is ready.
Nepo crushed dominated the Candidates. By extension, had magnus played anyone else, he would simply have crushed them harder than Nepo. Let's say Firoujza was magically chosen by fide to play carlsen for world championship.. it would've been an absolute massacre..
@@arun-it9gr Not buying that. One bad tournament doesn't mean anything. He's currently tied for the lead in the St. Louis Rapid & Blitz with the best players in the world. Watch and see.
@@ryanmcallister2321 you do realize that different time format will affect your strength right?
Is anyone curious of the possible tantrum that would happen if he lost
Love charslan and max....
Hi Lex Fridman
He did say that he intends to play the match if Firouzja wins; maybe same for Duda and Rapport - one of the new guys. With them, there can be huge leaps in a short amount of time, and it could be that somehow their progression leads them to the point where they are at his level at the time of the match. It's more interesting.
As for changing the nature of the World Championship title, to make it so that the winner doesn't get a personal hold on it, and an automatic spot at the next match... It is all greater than even him. This is what makes the World Champion title special, and it shouldn't end now - we have to keep this for future generations also.
It was the right thing for him to do, to bow down now. I think he is focussing on the right things - it'll be very hard to get to 2900. If he does do that, i see him then letting himself go loose a bit more, and potentially conjuring a couple evergreen games. That would put him right up there with Kasparov (if only he/we had a Karpov alongside, this whole time).
Yeah it's an interesting perspective he has, he's only nervous about losing to someone worse than him. It actually reminds me of that clip of him as a little kid casually saying "Yeah, I probably can't beat Kasparov, but Karpov, maybe."
A bad System shouldn't be kept out of tradition. The current champion has an unfair advantage by skipping right to the finale and its reasonable to let everyone do the whole tournament
@@2FuNnY4uDude I see it differently. Chess is more like Boxing than Football - you have to beat the Champion to be the Champion.
He is talking about perfection and I would expect him to have a better understanding of that. You CANNOT COMPARE FIGHTING AND THE UFC TO CHESS. The fighters will fight maybe 35-45 times in their career and only 2 have 0 losses on their record. Magnus has played thousands of high level chess matches and he is by far the best. I understand what he is saying, but he is allowing just the thought of losing to weigh him down. Save that energy if you do lose. He is a beast though, you have to take the fun out of it, they say they have fun out of the love for chess but they are definitely not having fun during those crazy high level matches
He wants to get to 3000
(Get your thumbs down thumb ready.) I am a big Magnus fan and I've always liked LeBron James. My only gripe against James is how he walked off the court after loosing the NBA Finals final game without shaking anyone's hand. That Magnus is giving up is a bit of a knock against his legacy. Yes, he will continue to play tournaments, but still.
James is also a devout racist. So there's that.
Won't be entertaining this time around to watch the WC without MC
A lot lesser people will watch them than when magnus played
bs a man accepts defeat , not even entering means you already lost
He doesn't have to do shit you mental slave
@@Tacet137 i see you are at the bottom
A world champion afraid to lose his title, how ironic.
UFC is the WORST when it comes to the fear of losing. To have another man beat you in a combat sport is absolutely devastating. I'd say team sports have the least fear in losing because the pressure isn't all on you
He has nothing to prove and the cost exceeds the benefit. Want him to play? *Come up with the coin!* 💰💰💰
You can no longer call yourself a World Champion, when you refuse new challengers. Ask Conor McGregor…
mcgregor got beat up multiple times this guy just dont wanna deal with it anymore
I don't think McGregor ever turned down anyone ever. If you want to hate on someone in a video that had nothing to do with that person at least say something that's even true.
connor mcgregor is a legend wether he done the dumbest shit in sports history doesnt matter about his credentials.. just think that this man went 11 rounds with the greatest boxer to ever live in his weight class... no one can say shit about mcgregor unless u calling money mayweather trash? lol
It wouldn't be a new challenger, he has already faced Nepo and demolished him. Ask anyone in the chess world, there is no quesiton that Magnus is number 1. Instead he wishes to focus on getting a rating of 2900
@@menammuqatash9561 wow That's considered "hate" nowadays? Each year, you fellas get _softer and softer_
Tom Brady wont just give up in his prime, Jordan wont just give up, Federer did not just give up. Carlsen is in his prime, to walk away in ur prime is a great tragedy.
Jordan did step away in his prime though.
@@Hapahilo619 Brady retired momentarily too
Jordan famously stepped away during his prime
May aswel delete your comment fella
Khabib did, Mayweather was selectively procrastinating for the best payback
Magnus not defending his title is a huge dishonour to chess.
He couldn’t beat me
happy to say that i'm the 420th like of this video fellows.
he may not know it but the real reason Carlson won't defend his title is because his ego could not sustain a loss.
Then why did he defend his title like 4 times already
@@gh-ev9vi with every win Magnus' ego has clearly grown stronger
Magnus sounds so humble here. And then a week later accuses someone of cheating for beating him 😂
He owes it to the tournament that gave him so much of his identity. His logic is completely self serving. Every single champion had to live with that fear and had to lose, and learn to live with it. Him just throwing that away like it doesn't mean anything is delusional and self serving, and also cowardice.
Beating him is an honour, he needs to realise that for someone else beating him will be the best thing they do in their life. That isn't something you can toss away with his weak, selfish reasoning.
Not a cool thing to do for multiple reasons. I do agree with Carlsen wanting world champion to not be automatic in final etc but play tournaments etc qualify each time. Did Kasparov and Karpov give up ? No! Overall resumes Kasparov and Karpov 1 and 2. Then Carlsen then everyone else. Carlsen has time to surpass both if he stays active etc.
This hurts to hear . Just not competing is worse than defeat . Wtf lol. Typical euros
He's won 5 times, he has nothing to prove. And this ideaology here makes some sense, in the context, that he doesn't want to lose something hard to gain to someone who was inferior. He still relishes competition, just from his equal or better. I don't agree with him, but he definitely makes a point
He is going out on top. Some people refuse to accept that their time is over and are just sad to watch.
@@jonathanbatista6135 if he loses to someone they are by definition NOT inferior. What the actual fuck are you talking about???
@@jonathanbatista6135 maybe I just need to be a Chess master to understand.
@@DanielCPTrader he’s a chess player lol. Is his brain giving out
Bruh, fear of losing is cowardly.
He should embrace that he isn’t perfect
He wouldn't be diminished by losing. All the greatest in every sport loses sometimes. They are still revered.
It's such a shame he won't compete again because of fear of losing.
Incorrect. The fear of losing is what drives the best as well as the pursuit of winning.
Not trying because of the fear of losing is cowardly. Depends what the person's reasons are.
@@margaretpritchet 100% correct.
@@margaretpritchet but In this case the fear of losing is used cowardly instead of motivation
The man is a beast. He's honest about his human side though. But when it comes to mindset.. there aren't many like him in any sport
its okay, don't have to do it if you don't want to. I support
wierd logic, you know you are so much better then why would you be afraid to lose, if you cannot convert winning positions then you are not so much better. Excuses, you dont just give up the championship, you make ur opponents take it away, and if they do for whatever reason, then you try it get it back next time. This is not rocket science.
Lol, sit and type noob
u have no idea how much it takes to prepare for wc title.
And as magnus already told, he has nothing to gain.
So he would use so much energy and effort for nothing at all.
I'm no chess player, but i'm a Go player. In go, there is no such thing as a draw. You can literally win by 0.5 points. But i hear that in chess, you have something like 30% draws. It's possible that chess is a game where, if someone is just a little bit better, he can't necessarily win. Whereas he would win everytime, if it was Go.
He doesn’t need to prove it to you ,
Why he so much better than others, his rating speaks for himself😂.
And also you are talking like you know what it’s to be in his position
He has said he would play if the format was modified. I absolutely agree with his ideas for the change of format.
What an unintelligent fear. Scared someone less skilled in chess will beat you. Chess isn't a game of luck, but all it's components involve skill. If someone beats you in positions you've studied less than them, they are better than you in that position. How many positions do you need to beat someone in to call yourself better than them?
Oh yes. You understand chess better than Magnus fucking Carlsen.
This is pathetic haha so he’s not gunna defend his title? Then strip him and move on. If a Ufc fighter wouldn’t defend he’d be ridiculed beyond belief.
the difference here is that magnus carlsen is undeniably the strongest player in the world. the gap between him and everyone else is significant. he’s just bored at the top. he even said he would only defend the title if one of the new young players of the next generation was the challenger. he has nothing left to prove