Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 7 hours ago

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0:00 – Intro: The legend enters the stage
1:12 – What it takes to become #1 in chess
5:02 – Childhood, talent & obsession with flags
9:15 – Magnus’ mindset and early competition
13:50 – On becoming world number one
17:30 – Chess vs. poker: strategy, focus & pressure
21:25 – How Magnus stays motivated at the top
25:10 – His biggest regret (hint: it involves football!)
28:00 – The iGaming Chess World Championship begins
30:40 – Blindfolded chess challenge: Magnus vs Colin

Step inside the mind of the greatest chess player in history.
In this exclusive session from NEXT Summit: Valletta 2025, Magnus Carlsen opens up about his rise to world dominance, the mental mechanics behind chess and poker, and how strategic thinking has shaped his competitive edge.

Then watch something you’ve probably never seen before:
A LIVE blindfolded chess challenge, where Magnus takes on the winner of the iGaming Chess World Championship — without even seeing the board.

🧠 Candid insights
♟️ Genius in motion
👑 A moment to remember

This session was made possible through a collaboration with BETBY.

👉 For more on NEXT Summit Valletta: go.next.io/4lNy9Rt