'Maybe one last time', Magnus Carlsen hints at a possible comeback to Classical format

Grandmaster and legend Magnus Carlsen hinted at a possible comeback into the longest format of the game, the classical format, during an interaction with Chess24.

Carlsen, the former World Champion, decided not to defend his World Championship title against Ian Nepomniatchi back in 2023.

He also opted out of the 2024 FIDE World Championship Cycle, citing a lack of motivation and his preference for playing tournaments over championships. 

With the ongoing Tata Steel Chess 2025, Gukesh D has been grabbing the attention of everyone, having become the youngest World Chess Champion last month after defeating Ding Liren of China.

 In the 14-match final that happened in Singapore in December 2024, Liren's blunder in the 55th move of the 14th game was capitalized by Gukesh, who forced Liren to resign and emerge as the World Champion. 

Interestingly, Carlsen was vocal about his displeasure with the finals, stating that the classical format is not the ideal way to select the best player in the world. 

Although a World Champion, Gukesh still hailed Carlsen as 'the greatest,' although Carlsen had publicly denied he would challenge Gukesh's title. 

A possible return

Speaking to Chess24, Magnus hinted at a possible return to the classical format. 

"In the last few years, I’ve been less and less enchanted with the prospect of playing classical. Maybe playing one last time for the road would be good,” he said. 

"Maybe not that much, when I am looking at these top players play, I always somewhat think I want to play them but, I don’t know. I am very happy being a spectator for now," he added. 

Should Carlsen opt to get back in, he will have to go through the 2026 FIDE World Championship Cycle, and if he wins the 2026 FIDE Candidates, he can challenge Gukesh D for the World Champion title.