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GM - Norway

Magnus Carlsen

Universal - deep endgame technique, positional mastery

World Champion 2013-2023

2004-present - Norway

2,882

Peak ELO

4,727

Videos

About Magnus Carlsen

Magnus Carlsen held the World Chess Championship from 2013 to 2023, when he declined to defend his title. He holds the all-time peak rating record of 2882.

Career highlights

World Chess Champion 2013-2023
Peak FIDE rating 2882 (all-time record)
World Rapid Champion x5
World Blitz Champion x9

Opening repertoire

Ruy Lopez

Classic weapon

Signature game

Magnus Carlsen vs Sergey Karjakin - World Championship 2016, rapid tiebreak game 4, New York - 1-0

Needing a win to keep his title, Carlsen breaks down Karjakin's Sicilian and finishes with 50.Qh6+!!, a queen sacrifice that forces mate. Karjakin resigned on the spot.