Magnus Carlsen added another historic achievement to his legendary career after winning the first official FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship in Germany. The Norwegian star defeated Fabiano Caruana 2.5-1.5 in the final held at Schloss Weissenhaus on February 15.

With this victory,
Carlsen became the first-ever official FIDE Freestyle Chess World Champion and claimed his 21st world title in the process. The tournament was special because this was the first time FIDE collaborated with freestyle chess, and many top players were eager to win this crown.

The
final match between Carlsen and Caruana was closely fought. The first two games ended in draws, with both players showing solid play. In the third game, Carlsen had the black pieces and was under pressure for some time. However, he found his one big opportunity and turned the game around to secure a crucial win.

The fourth and final game ended in a draw, which was enough for Carlsen to seal the title with a 2.5-1.5 scoreline.

what’s 9+10 pic.twitter.com/bimf5gaeJg

— Magnus Carlsen (@MagnusCarlsen) February 16, 2026

Carlsen reacts to winning the title

After the win, Carlsen admitted that it was not easy at all. Carlsen’s emotional reaction showed how much he still cares about delivering results and winning titles.

“This was so tough and honestly in this final I had one chance and I grabbed it. I’m exhausted after the tournament. I’m really excited after playing a lot of chess last week to be able to just relax, be with my family, see my son more than just a couple of times in the day because I’m playing a lot of chess and he’s asleep when I get back. So, yeah, just really satisfied,” Carlsen said.

Before coming into the tournament, Carlsen had won both the rapid and blitz titles at the World Rapid & Blitz Championships in Doha, Qatar. He also won the Norway Chess and Esports World Cup last year to maintain his world number one ranking.

Arjun Erigaisi (Photo by Norway Chess/Michal Walusza)

NEW DELHI: Norway Chess has announced Alireza Firouzja as the latest player for its 2026 edition in Oslo, but India’s top-ranked player Arjun Erigaisi is still not part of the confirmed lineup. Firouzja, known for his aggressive and exciting style, said, “I’m looking forward to competing against the best chess players in the world at Norway Chess 2026 in Oslo.”

Firouzja is considered one of the brightest stars in modern chess. He became a grandmaster at just 14 and later made history by becoming the youngest player ever to reach a 2800 rating. He also crossed the 2700 rating mark at 16, showing how quickly he climbed to the elite level. He has played in the FIDE Candidates Tournament twice, first after winning the Grand Swiss in 2021 and later through the world rating list in 2024.He is no stranger to Norway Chess, having played there four times and finishing second in 2020 and 2021. Tournament organisers praised his return, with COO Benedicte Westre Skog saying, “Alireza Firouzja has been part of Norway Chess for several years and has consistently delivered performances at the very highest level. He brings intensity, ambition and world-class quality to the field. We’re very pleased to welcome him back to Oslo in 2026.”India will still be strongly represented at the event. World champion Gukesh Dommaraju and R Praggnanandhaa have already been confirmed, alongside Magnus Carlsen and Vincent Keymer. One more player will be revealed weekly, so there is still a chance for Arjun to make the cut.Gukesh, who became the youngest undisputed world champion after beating Ding Liren in 2024, said, “I am really happy to take part in Norway Chess again, fighting against a very strong field as always, and looking forward to all the exciting games.” He has also enjoyed success at Norway Chess before, including a memorable win over Carlsen in 2025.