Chess fans worldwide are witnessing history as Former World Champion Magnus Carlsen faces off against the collective might of the internet in Magnus vs. The World, the first-ever global Freestyle Chess match. This isn't Carlsen’s first rodeo—back in 2002, an 11-year-old Magnus stunned Norway by holding his own in a public online match that drew nearly 300,000 viewers. Then, in 2014, as reigning world champion, he delivered a crushing 34-move checkmate against his home country in a primetime televised game.
But this time, the stakes are higher, the stage is bigger, and the rules are wilder. Freestyle Chess—starting from one of 960 randomized positions—throws traditional opening theory out the window, forcing both Carlsen and the crowd to rely purely on creativity and intuition.
Though registration to vote on moves has closed, the excitement is just beginning. Fans can still follow the action, analyze the game, and join the conversation as the greatest chess player on Earth battles the wisdom (or chaos) of the masses. Will the world outsmart the champ, or will Magnus prove once again why he reigns supreme? Tune in to find out!