Magnus Carlsen, widely regarded as one of the greatest chess grandmasters, holds the highest peak rating of 2882 in chess history. He has maintained his position as World No. 1 in the FIDE rankings since July 2022. Although he trails only Garry Kasparov in terms of time spent as the highest-rated player, Carlsen’s name has recently made headlines for different reasons. His FCPC organisation is currently in conflict with FIDE, sparking widespread discussion.
A Surprising Loss in Bullet Brawl
In a surprising turn of events, Carlsen faced an unexpected defeat in a Bullet Brawl event on Chess.com. This fast-paced competition features a one-minute time control with no increments, requiring players to make split-second decisions. Playing with black pieces, Carlsen resigned after 50 moves against the account ‘Nayemhaque22.’ Consequently, his rating dropped by -16 points.
It was later revealed that Carlsen’s opponent was a nine-year-old prodigy, Ryan Rashid Mugdha, from Bangladesh. This revelation left fans stunned.
Young Prodigy Steps Into the Spotlight
Ryan, unable to participate directly because he lacks an official title, played using the Chess.com account of his coach, Naim Haque. Following the victory, Haque shared the news on social media. He wrote, “He (Ryan Rashid Mugdha) couldn’t play (in Bullet Brawl) because he doesn’t have a title. So I gave my Chess.com id. He played and beat 5-time world champion and current number 1 chess player in all three formats, Magnus Carlsen.”
Ryan’s Thoughts on the Win
During an interview with Business Standard, Ryan shared his experience. He said, “The bullet format is my favourite. I love the urgency it brings—you have to think and act very quickly. When I realised I was matched with Carlsen, I was starstruck, but I didn’t back down. After he made a mistake with his queen, I knew I was in a strong position. I played naturally, just as I would against any opponent.”
A Remarkable Journey
Ryan’s coach revealed that the young player had set a record at just five years old. “When Mugdho got his FIDE rating at five, it was a world record at the time. That record was later broken, but it remains a significant achievement,” Haque said.
Controversy and Fair Play
Although Ryan’s victory drew admiration, it also raised questions. According to Chess.com rules, players cannot share their accounts with others for such events. However, the platform has not yet released an official statement regarding this incident.
Carlsen’s defeat has highlighted the incredible potential of young talent in chess while also prompting discussions about fair play in online tournaments.
