In the world of chess, champions who emerge victorious ascend into a multimillion-dollar dynasty. Bestselling author Ben Mezrich explores this empire in his latest book, Checkmate. The book delves into a realm where winning is everything, no matter the cost. Magnus Carlsen, the undisputed kingpin of chess, has enjoyed a 12-year uninterrupted reign as the highest-ranked player. His dominance has led to a surge in popularity, with millions of fans across various social media platforms.
Magnus Carlsen's impressive career began as the youngest Grandmaster at the age of thirteen. His peak FIDE Elo rating of 2882 is a record, surpassing that of Garry Kasparov and Bobby Fischer. With five World Championship titles, Magnus is often compared to Mozart. He has become a burgeoning celebrity, with sponsorships from major brands like MasterCard and Unibet. His chess app, Play Magnus, is listed on the Oslo stock exchange with a valuation of over $100-million.
On September 4, 2022, Magnus Carlsen's world was turned upside down at the Sinquefield Cup, a prestigious chess Grandmaster event in the United States. The tournament, with a purse of $350,000, was being held at a converted vodka bar in St Louis, Missouri. Magnus was competing against Hans Niemann, a relatively unknown 19-year-old American player. As the game unfolded, Magnus's usual clarity and focus began to wane, and he found himself struggling to comprehend the chessboard.
Hans Niemann, with a FIDE Elo ranking of over 2650, was a Grandmaster but not considered a top contender. He had been added to the tournament roster as a last-minute replacement for Richárd Rapport. Despite his relatively low ranking, Hans seemed unfazed by the pressure, gazing around the hall and even chewing gum during the game. His unorthodox behavior puzzled Magnus, who was accustomed to being the center of attention.
As the game progressed, Magnus's frustration grew. He was used to being the dominant player, with a streak of 53 consecutive in-person game wins. His fans and followers were watching from around the world, and the cameras captured every moment of his distress. Despite his efforts to regain composure, Magnus was on the verge of losing to a player who was not considered a top contender.
The Sinquefield Cup was a significant event in the chess world, attracting top players and a large following. The tournament was being held in a unique location, next to the St Louis Chess Club, a redbrick building in the Central West End neighborhood. The event drew a large audience, both in-person and online, with fans eager to witness the battle between Magnus and Hans.
The outcome of the game between Magnus and Hans sent shockwaves through the chess community. The loss was a significant upset, and Magnus's reaction sparked a wave of interest in the sport. The incident highlighted the high stakes and intense pressure in the world of professional chess, where players must perform under intense scrutiny.
Key points
- Magnus Carlsen's 12-year reign as the highest-ranked chess player was put to the test by Hans Niemann's unexpected win.
