Dutch grandmaster Anish Giri has accused world number one Magnus Carlsen of harboring a significant bias against the FIDE-organized Classical world championship cycle. Giri suggests this stems from Carlsen's decision to relinquish his title in 2023. Despite the criticism, Giri notes positive outcomes from Carlsen's withdrawal.
Magnus Carlsen, the Norwegian grandmaster widely regarded as one of chess's greatest players, has held the top ranking since 2011 and won five consecutive Classical world titles. In 2023, he chose not to defend his crown against Russia's Ian Nepomniachtchi, paving the way for China's Ding Liren to claim the title in a historic victory. Since then, Carlsen has frequently criticized the Classical format and the International Chess Federation (FIDE), based in Lausanne, Switzerland, leading to several public disputes.
Speaking on the 'Chess with Mustreader' podcast, Anish Giri, currently ranked sixth in the Standard format and competing in the Tata Steel Chess tournament in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands, described Carlsen's stance as a 'big bias.' Giri argued that Carlsen's brain might be subconsciously compelling him to downplay the championship he abandoned.
“It’s always a pity when there’s some extra baggage. When he gives his opinion on topics like the Candidates and there’s the extra things – he has this whole fight with (FIDE) where he’s trying to undermine the importance of the Classical Championship cycle. The title that he has given up,” Giri said.
“Of course he has to undermine it. Even if he doesn’t want to, he has to do it. Even if he doesn’t do it consciously, his brain must do it subconsciously... So whenever he talks about these things, there’s always this bias that’s going to be inevitable and that slightly colours it.”
Giri, however, found a silver lining in Carlsen's semi-retirement from Classical events, where he now participates sparingly but remains active in faster formats like Norway Chess, which is relocating from Stavanger to Oslo this year. Carlsen's detachment, Giri noted, has produced valuable content.
“But still, I find it fascinating. I was watching clips after the World Championship games between Ding and Gukesh. So much insight, and he’s trying his best to be objective... Also the fact that he’s withdrawn himself from the cycle has some upside now that he’s no longer as attached to his opening secrets and he’s more comfortable about sharing the knowledge.”
This perspective comes amid ongoing discussions in the chess world about Carlsen's influence outside the title cycle.
