Magnus Carlsen is a 24-year-old chess mastermind, who’s currently the top-rated player in the world — and the highest-rated player in the history of chess, period. In 2013, TIME named Carlsen one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
At the recent Sohn Conference in New York, the Norwegian chess grandmaster took on three opponents simultaneously — and he was completely blindfolded. This meant he had to visualize the three games in his mind while playing against the clock.
Sounds tough, but Carlsen was up for the challenge. Watch the drama unfold in the clip above.
The Superstar and the Sex Symbol: The World's Highest Ranking Chess Champions
Magnus Carlsen, a 22-year old Norwegian, became chess grandmaster at 13 and is the youngest chess player in history to become ranked number one in the world. August 2013.Misha Friedman—COSMOS for TIMEMagnus with one of his seconds, a grandmaster from Russia, in Kragero, Norway, analyzing past chess games — one of the main training exercises while preparing for a tournament. August 2013.Misha Friedman—COSMOS for TIMEMagnus playing beach volleyball in front of journalists in Kragero during his training for the chess championship. August 2013.Misha Friedman—COSMOS for TIMEMagnus chasing after a tennis ball in Kragero during his training for the chess championship. August 2013.Misha Friedman—COSMOS for TIMEMagnus in his hotel room in Kragero during his training for the chess championship. August 2013.Misha Friedman—COSMOS for TIMEMagnus' clothes, which include a Boston Celtics Shaq jersey. Magnus travels light. August 2013.Misha Friedman—COSMOS for TIMEMagnus pretends to play golf in front of journalists in Kragero during his training for the chess championship. August 2013.Misha Friedman—COSMOS for TIMEMagnus takes a break from chess in Kragero during his training for the championship. August 2013.Misha Friedman—COSMOS for TIMEViswanathan Anand in his office and trophy room at his home in Chennai, India. Current World Chess Champion, 43-year old Anand has been the undisputed champion since 2007. October 2013.Misha Friedman—COSMOS for TIMEAnand and his family have lunch at home in Chennai with their babysitter and cook. October 2013.Misha Friedman—COSMOS for TIMEAnand exercising. October 2013.Misha Friedman—COSMOS for TIMEBesides chess, Anand is passionate about astronomy and bird watching. October 2013.Misha Friedman—COSMOS for TIMEMagnus and Anand's posters for sale in Chennai ahead of their championship match. October 2013.Misha Friedman—COSMOS for TIMEParents watch from the stairs outside while their children compete in a tournament in Chennai. They are not allowed inside. October 2013.Misha Friedman—COSMOS for TIMELatest scores in a youth chess tournament posted outside in Chennai. October 2013.Misha Friedman—COSMOS for TIMEA tournament hall in Chennai. October 2013.Misha Friedman—COSMOS for TIMEA chess board in a children's chess school in Chennai. The school has produced several youth world champions. October 2013.Misha Friedman—COSMOS for TIMEAn empty tournament hall in Chennai. October 2013.Misha Friedman—COSMOS for TIME