Global Exclusive | Firstpost interviews Magnus Carlsen, watch live at 5 pm today

World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen opens up like never before in a global exclusive conversation with Firstpost's Rupha Ramani. The Norwegian GM dives deep into multiple subjects; Stay tuned for one of Carlsen's most candid interviews.

What goes on inside the mind of one of the greatest chess players of all time?

In a global exclusive conversation with Firstpost, chess legend Magnus Carlsen opens up about his game, his rivals and his extraordinary consistency at the highest level. He talks about the mindset that has helped him dominate the sport for more than a decade.

In one of his most candid and comprehensive interviews with Firstpost’s Sports Editor Rupha Ramani, Carlsen allows viewers to get inside his mind and understand the way he approaches chess, strategises and prepares for each and every opponent as a master of the game.

“Magnus Carlsen doesn’t do long interactions and unguarded ones, more so. But somehow the chess legend, in his first-ever sit-down with an Indian media network, gave me nearly double the time he’d promised. He spoke with a rare candour — was unfiltered, funny and unbothered by any question I threw at him. He gave me a peek into what truly makes him a champion and a glimpse of how he is in front of a chessboard and away from it too,” says Rupha Ramani, Sports Editor, Firstpost.

“The aggressive, almost intimidating competitor that other players see, melts in the presence of his son, whom he is very private about. Some interviews you plan for. This one, you just remember.”

Carlsen also reflects on the new generation of players challenging the established order, including India’s rapidly emerging chess stars. He speaks about Indian chess and its players, offering his thoughts on the country's remarkable rise as a global chess powerhouse. He also reveals who his biggest fan is.

The interview goes beyond the chessboard as Carlsen talks about fatherhood, how becoming a parent has changed his life and perspective.

Carlsen also addresses the chatter around the viral footage of him banging the table after losing to D Gukesh. What happened at that moment? What was going through his mind? And what does Carlsen really think about his young Indian rival?

Watch the full, exclusive conversation with Magnus Carlsen, conducted by Firstpost’s Rupha Ramani, on the Firstpost YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Firstpost.