Carlsen's No. 1 Reign: Motivation is Key, Says Ex-Candidates Winner Gelfand

• Magnus Carlsen has dominated chess for over a decade, holding the FIDE No. 1 spot since 2011 and winning five world titles.
• Despite not defending his world title in 2023 and reduced Classical play, he remains unchallenged at the top of the ratings.
• Former Candidates winner Boris Gelfand states Carlsen's continued reign as world No. 1 hinges entirely on his motivation.
• Gelfand notes Carlsen's apparent loss of motivation for Classical chess, questioning if he will return to playing more tournaments.
• Gelfand categorizes Carlsen as an "exceptional" champion alongside legends like Kasparov, while D Gukesh is "first among equals" in the current generation.

Why It Matters: Carlsen's motivation will determine his longevity as world No. 1, says Boris Gelfand.