Early Life and Education of Magnus Carlsen: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Magnus Carlsen. From birth to education, explore key events.

Magnus Carlsen is a Norwegian chess grandmaster, widely considered one of the greatest chess players of all time. He is a five-time World Chess Champion, five-time World Rapid Chess Champion, and eight-time World Blitz Chess Champion. Carlsen has been the top-ranked player in the world since July 1, 2011, and his peak rating of 2882 is the highest in history. He also holds the record for the longest unbeaten streak in classical chess at the elite level, with 125 games.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1963: Birth of Sigrun Øen

In 1963, Sigrun Øen, Magnus Carlsen's mother, was born. She was a chemical engineer.

November 1990: Carlsen born in Tønsberg, Norway

In November 1990, Magnus Carlsen was born in Tønsberg, Norway, to Sigrun Øen and Henrik Albert Carlsen.

November 1990: Birth of Magnus Carlsen

In November 1990, Sven Magnus Øen Carlsen was born in Norway. He would later become a chess grandmaster and world champion.

1998: Family Returns to Norway

In 1998, after spending time in Finland and Belgium, Carlsen's family returned to Norway, residing in Lommedalen, Bærum.

2000: Coached by Simen Agdestein

In 2000, Carlsen began being coached at the Norwegian College of Elite Sport by Grandmaster Simen Agdestein, who drew inspiration from football manager Egil Olsen.

2003: Year Off for International Tournaments

In 2003, after primary school, Carlsen took a year off to participate in international chess tournaments in Europe. During this period, he placed joint-third in the European Under-14 Championship and ninth in the World Under-14 Championship.

2009: Coached by Garry Kasparov

From 2009 to 2010, Garry Kasparov coached Carlsen.

November 2013: Carlsen Takes Honorary Kick-Off for Real Madrid Game

In November 2013, Carlsen took the honorary kick-off in a La Liga game between Real Madrid and Real Valladolid.

2015: Middlegame Preference

In 2015, Carlsen mentioned that middlegame is his favourite part of the game.

2016: Carlsen Identifies as Social Democrat and Vegetarian

As of 2016, Carlsen identifies as a social democrat and mostly follows a vegetarian diet.

2016: Anish Giri comparison

In a 2016 interview, Anish Giri compared Magnus and himself, where he said that Magnus focuses on play and getting away from preparation.

December 2019: Carlsen Reached No. 1 Spot on Fantasy Premier League

In December 2019, Carlsen reached the No. 1 spot on a Fantasy Premier League game.

2019: Carlsen founded Offerspill Chess Club

In 2019 Carlsen founded Offerspill Chess Club after the Norwegian Chess Federation turned down Kindred's sponsorship offer.

2024: Death of Sigrun Øen

In 2024, Sigrun Øen, Magnus Carlsen's mother, passed away.

January 2025: Carlsen and Ella Victoria Malone's Wedding

In early January 2025, it was announced that Carlsen and Ella Victoria Malone would be getting married during the first weekend of the month in a private ceremony. The wedding ceremony took place at Holmenkollen Chapel in Oslo, Norway, on 4 January 2025.