Levon Aronian shared his thoughts on his chess career in an interview with The Times of India. Aronian says that he has no regrets, and calls his rise to World No. 2 in the Classical rating a miracle.

Levon Aronian

Levon Aronian

America's No. 5

“I have no regrets about my career whatsoever. I never valued myself so highly as a chess player. Of course, I have talent, and of course I’m better than many of the World Champions in my understanding of chess.

But the way I got to be the world’s number two is already a miracle for me. Because my knowledge of chess was so much worse before.

Generally, I’m not sure if setting up goals is a good thing for you. I mean, sometimes it just adds to the anxiety. And in this world, we already have so many things to have anxiety. So, I think it’s better just to enjoy and to cherish what you have.”

43-year-old Levon Aronian is America’s No. 5 and World’s No. 20. He achieved the GM title at age 18. Aronian won three gold medals at the Olympiad and a gold medal at the World Team Chess Championship 2011. Levon won the World Cup 2005, World Rapid Championship 2009, and World Blitz Championship 2010. Aronian reached his peak rating of 2830 in 2014.

Credit: Michal Walusza / FIDE