The championship match for the world chess title was planned for spring 2023. Russian grandmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi earned the right to challenge for the crown after triumphing at the Candidates’ Tournament in Madrid, finishing with 9.5 points and becoming the first player to win this event twice in a row. His back-to-back success earned him the opportunity to face the reigning champion, a title he would attempt to reclaim in the upcoming year.
Shortly after Nepomniachtchi secured his candidacy, Magnus Carlsen announced his decision not to defend the world title. The move came after Carlsen had previously indicated that if he could not maintain the form needed to win, he might step away from the championship scene. In the wake of Carlsen’s choice, the field looked toward a new era with Ding Liren, the Chinese grandmaster who finished second in the Candidates, positioned as the next challenger should the title be contested in the planned match.
On July 20, Carlsen confirmed to Nepomniachtchi that he would not participate in the match as the title defender. Nepomniachtchi acknowledged the news with disappointment, recognizing the emotional impact such a decision can have on a challenger who has trained for years for this very duel.
Chess analysts and coaches weighed in on the situation. Peter Heine Nielsen, who has served as the head coach for the reigning champion, described the championship format as sometimes lacking excitement. He argued that the World Cup-style format can feel laborious and that it concentrates only on a single opponent for a long period, which some viewers find less engaging. He also suggested that the format resembles an arms race where creativity can be stifled, a view echoed by others in the chess community.
Sergey Smagin, deputy chairman of the Moscow Chess Federation, underscored the significance of the world title and the obligation of a titleholder to adhere to established rules. He warned that even the best players are drawn to the match by the prestige and opportunity, creating a unique allure and substantial prize money that far surpasses most other tournaments. Smagin also commented that prize funds could influence decisions around participation in future matches.
As discussions continued, the Red Dragon era of the crown opened room for a new rival. Ding Liren, who had placed second in the Candidates, emerged as the primary challenger in discussions about the next world title match. Historical notes recall a time when champions could be crowned without a direct fight, as in 1975 when Bobby Fischer became champion after negotiations with FIDE. Modern rules, however, ensure that a challenger who finishes second in the Candidates is the usual substitute if the champion withdraws. This shift marked a clear departure from the old practice and solidified the integrity and competitiveness of the title race.
Commenting on Carlsen’s decision, former world champion Anatoly Karpov suggested that it would be premature to conclude the Norwegian would not participate until an official document was released. He also indicated that the decision-making involved could be shaped by advisers who evaluate risk and strategy ahead of official announcements. For Nepomniachtchi, the door remained open to defend the title in a future match, while Ding Liren expressed a committed interest in contending for the crown in the upcoming cycle.
In candid remarks after the Candidates’ event, Nepomniachtchi acknowledged the significance of facing a Chinese opponent like Ding Liren. He noted that defeating a strong challenger would reinforce the value of the world title, regardless of whether the reigning champion stays in the ring. Liren also spoke about his mixed emotions but his determination to compete for the crown remained clear. He emphasized that the world championship carries a heavy burden of responsibility and that the best players should continue to vie for the title, shaping a new era for the sport.
As conversations about the future intensified, Smagin assessed Nepomniachtchi’s chances against Liren as promising, suggesting that the Russian player had shown notable improvement and consistency. This improvement, he believed, could influence the outcome if the match were held, reflecting a dynamic shift in form and preparation. Other chess figures, including Sergey Karjakin, offered cautious commentary about the potential matchup and its implications for the overall championship landscape. The chess world awaited official decisions, eager to see whether the crown would move forward with a new era or linger in deliberation until official filings clarified the plans for next year.