Magnus Carlsen Reflects on a Lifetime Devoted to Chess: Its Always with Me

The 16th World Chess Champion, Norwegian grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, gave a vague response when asked how much time he has dedicated to chess throughout his life.

«I think about chess all the time. Even now, while we’re talking, I have something like chess boards in my mind. It’s always with me. It’s like a language you learn—once you start thinking in that language, it doesn’t go away. I haven’t spent 10,000 hours on anything, but I’m certain I’ve devoted far more time to chess,» Carlsen stated, as reported by the press service of the 2025 World Cyber Championship.

It’s worth noting that Carlsen will compete in the chess tournament during the World Cyber Championship, which will take place in Riyadh from July 29 to August 1.