Norwegian Magnus Carlsen, hailed as the greatest chess player in history, revealed that he has no plans to return to the title race. Stating “I don’t need to prove myself,” the Norwegian chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen expressed that he does not consider returning to the title race. Carlsen, regarded as the best player in chess history, has refrained from participating in the classic chess world championship since announcing in 2022 that he will not defend his title due to lack of motivation. Initiating the Freestyle Grand Slam tournament and being part of the Esports World Cup, Carlsen believes he doesn’t need to prove himself. Speaking to Reuters news agency, Carlsen answered the question of whether he will return to the title race with “I’m not considering that right now. I think it’s a very, very low possibility.” Carlsen mentioned in a statement in 2021 that if French chess prodigy Alireza Firouzja, born in Iran, wins the Candidates Tournament, he might consider defending his title. However, Carlsen, the winner of five classic chess championships, is now of the opinion that no active player can convince him to return. Carlsen also expressed a possibility of considering coaching in the future, indicating that just as he was mentored by Garry Kasparov, one day he could guide others. “MAYBE COACHING IN THE FUTURE” Carlsen stated, “I generally enjoy playing, but I am not ruling out coaching in the future entirely. I enjoy young players seeking advice from me. I’m still very good. Therefore, coaching could be in the future, but I see myself still trying to prove I am superior to the younger ones.” Carlsen won the Chess.com Rapid Chess Championship last year and shared the Blitz World Championship title with Russian chess player Ian Nepomniachtchi. However, amidst various disputes with FIDE, including the ‘cot pants crisis,’ Carlsen had called for the resignation of federation president Arkady Dvorkovich. “I DON’T CARE WHAT FIDE DOES” Carlsen now seems to have put his disputes with FIDE behind him. “I really don’t care what FIDE does. I’m doing my own thing,” Carlsen said, indicating that the discussion between the Freestyle Chess Players Club and FIDE about the “world champion” title has ended. “FIDE’s most valuable tournament is the classic world championship. What gives them heritage and legitimacy is this, and we don’t aim for that title.” Carlsen’s next stop will be the Freestyle Grand Slam tournament in Paris next month. He will also compete with Team Liquid in the Esports World Cup. In this rapid chess format, Carlsen aims to show that the old generation is still strong. “WE’LL STAY ON THE STAGE FOR A WHILE LONGER” Carlsen named Alireza Firouzja among the favorites along with himself and American grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura, saying “Youngsters gaining strength in faster formats takes longer compared to classical chess. Therefore, old players like Maxime Vachier-Lagrave and myself will stay on the stage for a while longer.” Talking about his motivation, Carlsen said, “It’s hard to predict how that will change over time. But I don’t expect my level to suddenly plummet. It will probably be a slow decline, but I think I can continue for a few more years.”