World number-four GM Alireza Firouzja has been mysteriously inactive within the final 12 months with remarkably few match appearances. In a uncommon, new interview, {the teenager} confirmed rumors about him looking for another profession.
Firouzja, the Iranian-born French teenage prodigy hailed as a future successor to the chess throne, has not performed a single over-the-board match since September. His final occasion was his spectacular double victory in St. Louis, successful the Speedy & Blitz occasion and Sinquefield Cup, his solely classical occasion because the Candidates, final July.
The 19-year-old had a disappointing consequence within the Airthings Masters 2023, the place he certified for the knockout stage, however was then crushed convincingly by GM Arjun Erigaisi.
Whereas Firouzja often reveals up in Titled Tuesday tournaments, his followers are left mystified as to why the younger star has been so inactive. Now {the teenager} has, for the primary time, shared a proof.
Talking to chess streamer WFM Alessia Santeramo earlier than an internet match in opposition to GM Praggnanandhaa R., Firouzja confirmed rumors which have been circulating for some time:
A profession in style design. Considerably cryptically, he responded to the rumors:
“Sure, I used to be on this trade for 2 years now. It is sort of a critical factor. It is bettering day-after-day and, sure, it is sort of an actual occupation.”
Extra particulars on the extent of his new profession, or how a lot this impacts his chess, shouldn’t be but clear, however Firouzja added:
“It is taking time from my chess, however I prefer to have each issues collectively.”
The younger star doesn’t intend to finish his chess profession simply but. Firouzja additionally revealed that he can be extra energetic within the second a part of 2023, enjoying within the Grand Chess Tour and in Norway Chess, which is about to happen in Could. The remainder of the sector in these occasions is but to be introduced.
Chess.com reached out to Firouzja for remark however is but to obtain a solution.
It could not be the primary time a high chess participant has had a profession exterior of chess. GMs Magnus Carlsen and Alexander Grischuk are among the many chess stars enjoying poker actively.
A number of different gamers have additionally given up skilled chess, both partly or absolutely, to chase careers in different fields. One instance is GM Gata Kamsky, who had an eight-year break from chess beginning when he was 22 and was ranked sixth on this planet in 1996, taking over legislation faculty.
French GM Joel Lautier, who peaked fifteenth on this planet, retired from his chess profession in 2006 to turn into a businessman.
