He used to be such a cute little boy, then a fairly well-groomed young man and, of course, Norway’s first and only World Chess Champion. Norwegians who’ve grown up with Magnus Carlsen now may find it hard to keep track of all his championships and other international titles, as he also has become quite a wealthy if occasionally unkempt and tempermental man.
Carlsen struck gold again during this past holiday season, winning new rapid- and blitz chess world championship titles but also stirring up some drama along the way. He had a few new temper tantrums, banged a table and slapped away a microphone from his own homeland’s national broadcaster NRK. He still hates losing, even at early stages that ultimately didn’t seem to matter.
His outbursts weren’t entirely overlooked by fellow players or the media, with some claiming they shouldn’t become the norm. He’d already managed, however, to overturn a long-standing ban on wearing blue jeans instead of traditional “business attire,” which Oslo newspaper Aftenposten reported as a sign of Carlsen’s power in the international chess world. Jeans were allowed at this year’s World Rapid- and Blitz Chess Championships in Qatar, but no T-shirts since they landed outside what officials called “smart-casual” clothing.
Carlsen nonetheless resorted to some bad behaviour in Qatar, even expressing some surprise at what he could get away with at the chess board after he’d made a remarkable comeback. His facial expressions even sparked laughter within NRK’s “chess studio” during live coverage.
“It was also an indication that I was thinking more clearly … and could take a little ‘time-out’ and think that I had won,” Carlsen told NRK himself when his latest titles were secured. He’d refused to declare “remis” (a tie) and give up, prompting Norwegian chess commentator Torstein Bae to marvel over Carlsen’s determination to win: “What a will to win that man has, it’s completely incredible. Everyone else would have gone along with remis. He refuses to give up.”
Carlsen has also become a married man and, just a few months ago, a father. His own father Henrik Carlsen has played an important and supportive role throughout his own life, and now he’s alluded to feeling the pressure and responsibility of having that role himself. He seemed at one point last week to link his occasional bad temper, wildly messy hair-do and somewhat sloppy dress to the challenges of the dilemma that affects millions of others all over the world: Balancing work and family.
The most recent round of top competition took place, as always, during what the Norwegians call romjul, the period between Christmas and New Year that’s traditionally a time of days away from work, family gatherings and skiing. For chess players like Carlsen it’s instead been a period of hard work that suddenly doesn’t fit well into his new roles as a family man.
“It’s always fantastic to walk away with two titles, but it’s no longer a completely positive experience,” he told NRK even after winning his 20th World Championship title just after Christmas in Qatar. Now, he thinks, it’s “sad” that he couldn’t “celebrate a proper Christmas with the family.” His own little family now, with wife Ella Victoria Malone Carlsen and their infant son.
Both his wife and son traveled with him to Qatar. “My family has been a fantastic source of support,” Carlsen told NRK when the tournament was over. He’s often had other family members, especially his father and sisters, along on tournments as well.
“There have been some sports-wise difficult moments during the past few days,” he told NRK. “I’m the first to admit that I don’t always tackle everything well.” He also admitted that it’s become more difficult for him to remain cool. “There was a time a few years ago when I thought I’d become better at tackling a loss, but I haven’t been much better after all,” he said. “I’m very grateful that everyone is so patient with me.”
He wouldn’t specify plans for the New Year, but there’s little doubt that his family will be at the center of his attention. “I really look forward to spend more time with my wife and child from now on,” he told NRK, noting that “this here (the recent championship competition)” was “very hectic” and “we’ve been here to do a job. They’ve been very understanding.”
They stayed on in Doha for what he called “a little holiday” and then he raised some doubt over whether he’d take part in the same rapid- and blitz championships at the end of this year, when it will take place during romjul once again. He doesn’t necessarily need the prize money that can come with winning tournaments and lead to more sponsorships and commercial projects. Website chess.com recently reported that Carlsen played in around NOK 14.6 million (USD 1.4 million) last year, he’s been a chess grandmaster since 2004 and has topped the international chess ratings for the past 16 years.
“Up to now I haven’t managed to stay away,” he said, adding that “I wouldn’t put money on whether I’ve played my last World Championships, but there will be an evaluation next year, too.”
NewsinEnglish.no/Nina Berglund
