Magnus Carlsen admits he is past his peak, no longer 'obsessed' with competing: 'I can never be at that level'

World No.1 Magnus Carlsen has admitted that he is past his peak and the pure processing speed of his mind has come down over the years. Carlsen, who holds the record for the highest-ever classical rating of 2882, feels he has become wiser over the years but lost some willpower and energy

The 34-year-old Carlsen has been the world No.1 chess player for 15 years and won his first World Chess Championship in 2013 by beating Indian legend Viswanathan Anand.

Carlsen he is more knowledgable but less ruthless

Appearing on The Joe Rogan Experience , Carlsen said his peak was in the first half of 2019 “when I was 28 and when I was most like a young Kasparov than ever been — very dynamic.”

Asked about the difference between Carlsen of 2019 and Carlsen of the present, the Norwegian said: “A few things. I can’t play the same opening as I played then because they have been worked out to the point that they are basically unplayable. Apart from that my average level probably will be a little bit lower because I am a bit older and my brain is not as fast. But I can do most of those things.

“What I don’t think I can do is slightly (from) other best version of me which was 2013-2014 when I was in the best shape of my life. I was just a relentless beast at the board, grinding down my opponents in very long endgames. Never giving them any respite whatsoever.

“Knowledge-wise, it was far from the best version of me, but the average level of my game was definitely higher than, as I rarely played a bad game. I was always on, with so much willpower and energy,” he added.

Carlsen ready to compromise on chess to enjoy life

The five-time world champion Carlsen said he doesn’t think he can return to his “peak” due to his age but he can still come “close” to it if he focuses on important aspects like fitness, diet and preparation.

“These kids their brains are so much faster than mine. I thought it for years as well that I am not old but I can never be at that level of pure computing power.”

Asked why he is not trying to return to his peak, Carlsen explained: “I generally like to do the right things when I am at tournaments but in between I want to enjoy life as well. I am generally obsessed with chess but I am not obsessed with competing.”