Kasparov: In more ways than one, I could hardly wish for a better successor than Magnus Carlsen

The FIDE 100 awards ceremony took place at the Chess Olympiad 2024. Magnus Carlsen was selected G.O.A.T in the male category and blew up the hall with his speech. In the women category G.O.A.T is Judit Polgar.

Legendary players like Ivan Sokolov praised Magnus Carlsen for his humility, while Kasparov himself was quick to react on Twitter/X, citing a post by Malcolm Pein. “In more ways than one, I could hardly wish for a better successor than Magnus. It isn’t required to have great character to be a great chessplayer, so it is doubly impressive for him to achieve both,” says Garry Kasparov.

Kasparov also acknowledges Carlsen’s statement at the FIDE 100 gala. Magnus said, “I would say, at least in Garry’s [Kasparov’s] honor, I am sure that he would take the opportunity to advice against reinstating the Russian and Belarusian Chess Federations, so that is what I would do as well. (see the full statement here)” Garry Kasparov replied, “Indeed I would, and do!”

🙏 Indeed I would, and do! 🇺🇦 In more ways than one, I could hardly wish for a better successor than Magnus. It isn't required to have great character to be a great chessplayer, so it is doubly impressive for him to achieve both. https://t.co/4r6zwRS3EG

— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) September 19, 2024

The story so far

Aug 21 Kyrgyzstan Chess Federation submits resolution to restore the full membership rights of RCF

Aug 22 David Llada talks about systematically to reward submission

Sept 1 Alexander Kamyshin is the new President of Ukrainian Chess Federation

Sept 7 Babur Tolbaev is among the candidates for FIDE Ethics Commission chairman

Sept 9 Russia most probably has the votes to pass the Kyrgyz resolution

Sept 9 Kamyshin: I will personally attend the FIDE General Assembly

Sept 12 Garry Kasparov supports Alexander Kamyshin

Sept 12 Malcolm Pein for BBC, “Russia’s control of FIDE is absolute”

Sept 16 Vasyl Ivanchuk and the Olympic teams of Ukraine protest against Kyrgyz motion

Sept 17 FIDE Congress – national federations at risk of losing government funding

Sept 18 FIDE Council rejects Russian / Kyrgyz proposal

Sept 19 Magnus Carlsen: I would have voted against the Russian/Kyrgyz proposal to lift sanctions on Russia

Sept 19 Kasparov: I would say the same on the Russian/Kyrgyz proposal

Sept 20 First reaction by Chess Federation of Russia

Sept 20 Vice President Of CFR: Magnus should return all his money that he earned in Russia (+Filatov statement)

Sept 20 A dark horse in FIDE Ethics Commission elections