In a recent episode of the Joe Rogan Experience, chess legend Magnus Carlsen took a moment to shine the spotlight on an Indian chess prodigy who has been making waves in the world of competitive chess. Carlsen, known for his candid insights and deep understanding of the game, compared the rising star to another young talent, highlighting the unique paths both have taken to reach the pinnacle of chess.
While discussing the evolution of modern chess players, Carlsen’s admiration for the Indian grandmaster’s dedication and unconventional approach left Rogan and listeners in awe.
Magnus Carlsen’s Insight: Two Paths, One Goal
During the podcast, Carlsen delved into the contrasting development styles of two young chess phenoms: Alireza Firouzja and India’s D. Gukesh.
He began by recounting his experience with Firouzja, saying, “A few years ago, I had a training camp with a kid called Alireza Firouzja. He was about 14 then. My chess coach had recommended that we bring him in because he said that this is the most talented kid out there.”
Magnus Carlsen described Firouzja’s relentless approach to the game:
“This kid, he would have his laptop where he would analyze a certain position and then he would play games, like for money on that same site at the same time so that he could buy cloud engine… He would play five-minute games on another server and he would analyze with us on the board. He was thrilled like following everything like he had no problems whatsoever just being there. So that's one way of doing it, like he basically became one of the best players in the world by just constantly playing chess all the time and mostly like really quick games.”
In stark contrast, Carlsen highlighted Gukesh’s disciplined and studious approach:
“Then you have the current classical world champion from India, Gukesh. He doesn't play casual games at all. He just studies his ass off all the time. He's not good at rapid chess, he's not good at blitz, he's not good at other forms, but he has made all his studies about classical chess. He didn't even own chess software on his computer before he was like 13, and he was a grandmaster at that time. It's interesting to see that there are such different ways to develop even these days.”
D Gukesh’s Rise: A testament to hard work
D Gukesh’s journey to the top has been nothing short of extraordinary. At just 18, he became the youngest-ever world chess champion, dethroning Ding Liren in a historic victory that captivated the chess world. His rise to India’s No. 1 ranking, surpassing Arjun Erigaisi, further cemented his status as a generational talent.
Magnus Carlsen’s praise for Gukesh underscores the Indian star’s unique approach to chess. Unlike many of his peers, Gukesh has focused almost exclusively on classical chess, eschewing rapid and blitz formats to hone his skills in the most traditional form of the game. This dedication has paid off, as evidenced by his rapid ascent and growing list of accolades.
A new era of chess greatness
Carlsen’s comparison of Alireza Firouzja and Gukesh highlights the diverse paths to success in modern chess. While Firouzja’s relentless playstyle and adaptability have made him a formidable opponent, Gukesh’s unwavering focus on classical chess has carved out a niche that sets him apart.
As Magnus Carlsen’s words echo through the chess community, one thing is clear: the future of chess is in capable hands, with talents like Gukesh leading the charge. For fans of the game, this is an exciting time to witness the rise of a new generation of legends.