Kasparov cites So as likely challenger to Carlsen’s world title

MANILA, Philippines – Former world chess champion Garry Kasparov thinks the next challenger to Magnus Carlsen's crown is Wesley So.

In an interview with Tyler Cowen that was recently published and titled "Garry Kasparov on AI, Chess, and Future of Creativity," Kasparov said the Philippine-born, Minnetonka, Minnesota native has the best chance to challenge Carlsen in the next World Championship cycle.

"Considering the logic of the world championship history, Magnus (Carlsen) should face opposition from a younger player, or the same age," said Kasparov, who reigned as undisputed world champion from 1985 to 1993 and World Classical champion from 1993-2000 before finally retiring five years later.

"So I would say there are three players that, I guess, could challenge him. Maxime Vachier-Lagrave, I would rate him as least probable among the three. Second, (Fabiano) Caruana, and the most likely, Wesley So," he added.

Carlsen is 26 years old while Vachier-Lagrave is as old. Caruana is 24 while So is a year younger at 23.

Kasparov also spoke highly of So's focus.

"The reason I put Wesley ahead of two others is that he has phenomenal concentration, absolutely phenomenal, and that’s very important. These days, concentration trumps everything. I would put it on top of other things, though he’s a very, very good player. I think that he might be the most dangerous for Magnus," he said.

While Kasparov thinks Carlsen is still tough to beat, he thinks So could make life difficult for the former.

"Magnus’s concentration was always his strength. He was always very concentrated. He could mobilize all his resources for the game," said Kasparov.

"But against Wesley So, Magnus could have some serious problems in reading his opponent, and also messing up his energy. So could reflect. So I would bet on these three as one of the Magnus challengers, ranking them in the following order: So, Caruana, MVL (Vachier-Lagrave)," he added.