Why is world no. 1 Carlsen not participating in Chess WC in India?
Norwegian Grandmaster and world number one, Magnus Carlsen, isn't participating in the ongoing FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 in India. In recent years, the defending champion has been criticising the classical format, used at the event, and promoting the freestyle format. Other possible reasons for his absence could be his strained ties with FIDE or him recently becoming a father.