English GM David Howell commented on Magnus Carlsen’s recent performance. Howell calls Carlsen’s decline surprising, and notes that Magnus can still regain his form.

David Howell

David Howell

English GM, commentator

“For nearly two decades, Magnus Carlsen dominated both tournaments and headlines. That’s what makes his recent decline so surprising.

First came the Norway Chess tournament, his worst result in Classical chess in many years. Then, in Hong Kong, an even rarer sight occurred, four consecutive losses in the World Team Rapid Championship.

I was also in Hong Kong. The humidity and monsoon rains were far from ideal playing conditions. Nevertheless, Carlsen would be the first to admit that something is not right. Perhaps fatherhood, constant travel, and a new stage in his life played a role.

At 35, many athletes are already starting to think about retirement. On the other hand, Messi and Ronaldo are still rewriting the rules of the game at the World Championship. And I wouldn’t bet against Carlsen doing the same.”

Magnus Carlsen finished 4th at Norway Chess 2026, losing 4 games and winning 3. At the FIDE World Rapid Team Chess Championship 2026, Magnus lost 4 games in a row, lost 28.8 points in the live Rapid rating, and dropped to 2803.2. This is Carlsen’s lowest rating since FIDE introduced Rapid ratings in 2012.

Credit: Michal Walusza / FIDE