Carlsen Accepts G.O.A.T. Award, Urges FIDE To Uphold Restrictions On Russia, Belarus

GM Magnus Carlsen made headlines for a short but powerful speech while accepting the FIDE award for Greatest Of All Time (G.O.A.T). Carlsen used the moment to express humility and send a strong message against reinstating the Russian and Belarusian chess federations.

The award came during the FIDE 100 Gala, which took place in Budapest, Hungary, in connection with the 2024 FIDE Chess Olympiad.

"It feels kind of strange to receive this award while I am still an active player," said Carlsen upon receiving the trophy from FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, who is himself Russian.

The five-time classical world champion, who has been the undisputed number one since July 2011, then expressed humility and said he thinks 13th World Champion Garry Kasparov is more deserving. 

"I am of course happy to get this award, but in my personal opinion, I still think Garry has had a better chess career than I have. I understand why I got this award, but he was more deserving," he said.

I still think Garry has had a better chess career than I have.

Carlsen then added a for him rare political statement: "I would say, at least in Garry’s honor, I am sure that he would take the opportunity to advise against reinstating the Russian and Belarusian Chess Federations, so that is what I would do as well. Thank you."

I would say, at least in Garry’s honor, I am sure that he would take the opportunity to advise against reinstating the Russian and Belarusian Chess Federations, so that is what I would do as well.

Thank you❤️pic.twitter.com/ji8kJk0vgJ

— Magnus Carlsen (@MagnusCarlsen) September 19, 2024

The controversial proposal, put forth by the Kyrgyz Chess Federation, aims to lift the restrictions that were imposed after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The FIDE Council suspended Russia and Belarus from participation in official FIDE team tournaments, while individual players can only compete as neutral athletes.

The proposal has been met by protests from several Western chess federations and Ukraine, who urged federations "to ensure that this topic is not even placed on the agenda for discussion." The European Chess Union reiterated its stance in a statement on Thursday, urging the General Assembly to maintain the restrictions to protect the integrity and align with IOC policy.

The ECU resolves to maintain the sanctions on Russia and Belarus, in accordance with IOC policy, to protect the integrity of FIDE. The ECU requests the FIDE GA to maintain the sanctions on Russia and Belarus imposed by the FIDE Council in 2022.

Carlsen, who has mostly stayed out of political discussions in the past, last year admitted that while initially hesitating to support the suspension of Russian players, he had changed his view as the war continued. "I think that for every day the war goes on, it feels stranger to play Russians," he told TV 2.

His protest from the stage in Budapest was a moment to honor his former coach, who has been added to the list of "terrorists and extremists" by the Russian government for his vocal criticism of the country's President Vladimir Putin. Kasparov's response on X/Twitter was quick:

🙏 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

Carlsen's long-time second GM Peter Heine Nielsen, himself known as a leading critic of FIDE, joined the praise, calling it a "nice tribute".

Nice tribute by Magnus Carlsen to @Kasparov63, not only to the chess-player, but also to the political activist!#GOATS pic.twitter.com/Eb9UH0J7zF

— Peter Heine Nielsen (@PHChess) September 19, 2024

The FIDE 100 Gala was celebrating the centenary of the world chess governing body, and the accomplishments of individuals, groups, and organizations within the chess community.

The main event of the evening was the FIDE Awards, where a handpicked jury made decisions in a total of 18 categories. The title of "Best Player - Woman" was given to GM Judit Polgar, the only woman ever to break into the world top-10. She expressed her gratitude by thanking her parents, sisters, and opponents. 

#FIDE100 #Award - Best Player Woman
A special award for me, which I received in the presence of my parents, sisters and my husband in my hometown. ❤I owe my success to my perseverance, my fighting spirit and my creativity, for which I can be grateful to my family.#gratitude pic.twitter.com/uTgbP30GVu

— Judit Polgar (@GMJuditPolgar) September 19, 2024

Other winners include Jean Michel Rapaire, who was given the Advocate for Women in Chess award for promotion of women's chess through various initiatives in Monaco.

The Social Impact award went to the Chess for Freedom program, spearheaded by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. The initiative, launched in 2021, uses chess as a tool for the reintegration of inmates, and has grown into a global movement with participation from nearly 60 countries.

The International Physically Disabled Chess Association (IPCA), the International Braille Chess Association (IBCA), and the International Chess Committee of the Deaf (ICCD) were jointly recognized for their efforts in making chess accessible to people with disabilities.

GMs Vladimir Tukmakov and Susan Polgar were both honored as Best Trainers in the men's and women's categories, respectively, while the title of Best Social Media Influencer was awarded to GM Hikaru Nakamura for growing the game among a new generation of fans.

Full Winners List