Carlsen's Ex-Coach Debunks 'B-Events' Claim, Cites Participation in Top Tournaments

• Speculation arose that Magnus Carlsen maintains his No. 1 Classical rating by playing lower-ranked 'B-events' after semi-retiring from the format.
• Carlsen's former coach, GM Peter Heine Nielsen, refuted this claim on X, stating Carlsen played in the strongest tournaments of 2025.
• Nielsen presented FIDE's TAR list, highlighting Carlsen's participation in top events like Norway Chess and Clutch Chess: Champions Showdown.
• The list included both Classical and non-Classical events such as World Rapid and Blitz Championships and Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour.
• Carlsen won the Clutch Chess: Champions Showdown, a Rapid event with an average rating of 2808, featuring other top players.

Why It Matters: Carlsen's ex-coach confirms he plays top-tier events, not 'B-events,' to maintain his elite status.