Magnus Carlsen shrugs off Garry Kasparov comparisons after another double win: 'I think other people...'

Magnus Carlsen once again showed his humility after another historic achievement, as he played down comparisons with legendary Garry Kasparov following his latest double world title triumph. Speaking at the final press conference after the 2025 World Blitz Chess Championship on Tuesday, December 30, Carlsen made it clear that he is not interested in debating who the greatest chess player of all time is.

During the press conference, a reporter asked Carlsen whether his record 20 World Championship titles across formats had changed his view on the long-running comparison with Kasparov. The Norwegian grandmaster responded by saying he would rather enjoy the moment after his win. Carlsen said that such debates should be left to others and once again praised Kasparov’s incredible career.

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"Just let me enjoy the title. I think other people can take that debate rather than me. But Gary has had an absolutely amazing career. I'm mostly concerned with what is happening right now and that's it," Carlsen said at the post-tournament press conference in Doha after winning the Blitz title.

Carlsen dominates World Rapid & Blitz

Carlsen’s comments came after yet another dominant performance on the global stage. He won the World Blitz Chess Championship for a record ninth time, defeating Nodirbek Abdusattorov in the final. Last week, he had also claimed the World Rapid Chess Championship 2025, his sixth title in that format.

With these victories, Carlsen has now won 20 world titles across formats, including five world chess championships. Despite his achievements, Carlsen has repeatedly stated that he still considers Kasparov to have had a greater overall career. Kasparov dominated world chess for nearly two decades, setting numerous records and winning multiple titles.

While Carlsen boasts the highest rating in history and the longest continuous reign as world No. 1, he has often acknowledged Kasparov’s dominance in the game. As recently as 2023, Carlsen reiterated his stance, saying that he has always believed Kasparov to be the greatest player ever.

"I've always said that I think Garry Kasparov is the greatest player who's ever lived. As for myself, let me continue playing the game that I love for a few more years, and then we will see," Carlsen had said.

Carlsen and Kasparov famously met over the board for the first time in 16 years at the Champions Showdown in 2020, where their game ended in a 55-move draw. Years earlier, Carlsen had come close to defeating Kasparov in a rapid game when he was just 13. Kasparov retired from professional chess soon after and never faced Carlsen again in an official match. In 2009, Carlsen had hired Kasparov as a trainer.