Magnus Carlsen played an exhibition match with his wife Ella Victoria Carlsen a day before the start of the FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship 2026. The couple played a game of Chess960, where Ella had a Queen advantage and +2.5 minutes on the clock.

During the game, Ella attempted several illegal moves, which Magnus kindly corrected. Having brought his Wife’s king to checkmate in two moves, Magnus offered a draw and praised Ella’s performance:

Magnus Carlsen

Magnus Carlsen

World No. 1

“You played really well! I’ve honestly never seen you play this well with 3 minutes!”

The FIDE Freestyle Chess World Championship 2026 is the first joint World Championship in the 960 format, which took place in Weissenhaus, Germany from February 13 to 15. Magnus Carlsen defeated Fabiano Caruana with a score of 2.5-1.5 in the Final and became the first Freestyle Chess World Champion. Magnus Carlsen married Ella Victoria Malone on January 4, 2025.

Credit: ChessBase India