Magnus Carlsen has now achieved another record milestone with this particular variant of Freestyle Chess, also referred to as Fischer Random or Chess960.

The former world champion has successfully topped the first-ever Freestyle Chess rating list with a record-setting 2909 rating, creating a new mark in the innovative variant.

Carlsen, already the world No. 1 in classical, rapid, and blitz chess, adds this feat to an already legendary career. Following the announcement, the 34-year-old Norwegian joked, "My wife is way more attracted to me now that I've achieved 2900."

Carlsen Dominates Elite Field in Freestyle Chess

Magnus Carlsen Hits Insane 2909 Rating in Freestyle Chess: 'My Magnus Carlsen Hits Insane 2909 Rating in Freestyle Chess: 'My
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Behind Carlsen by a significant margin come additional rating giants: GM Hikaru Nakamura with a score of 2818 and GM Fabiano Caruana with 2804. The ranking reflects the present FIDE classical order but emphasizes Carlsen's incredible dominance. According to Chess.com, the 91-point difference between Carlsen and Nakamura only shows how far Carlsen leads in this variant.

The top 30 list based on the five top Freestyle events during 14 months has 578 players. Carlsen's ascent started with his 2830 at the Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T. Challenge 2024 and has picked up 79 points since.

Historic 9/9 Performance in Grenke Freestyle Chess Open

Carlsen's 2025 campaign has been nothing short of remarkable. His 9/9 unbeaten streak at the Grenke Freestyle Chess Open left fans and pundits speechless. The display, featuring wins against six world top-50 grandmasters, was compared to Bobby Fischer's mythical 11/11 sweep in the 1963/64 U.S. Championship.

It even attracted the attention of a 10-year-old chess prodigy, Ivan Kukushkin, who said that he could beat the Norwegian player.

Game theory analyst and economist Mehmet Ismail estimated Carlsen's performance rating at 3191, which is more than Caruana's 3096 in the 2014 Sinquefield Cup.

Carlsen Evaluates Goals After Stepping Away from Classical Title

Having voluntarily relinquished his classical world title in 2022, Carlsen redirected his competitive ambitions. Whereas he used to aim to score 2900 at classical chess, he now directs that drive to Freestyle Chess.

"The goal of breaking 2900 has mostly been about motivating myself to be in top shape when I play classical chess," Carlsen said. "I've put that goal on hold a bit, so instead I'll bring it back up if I get closer."

Carlsen has already scored 2919 in rapid and 2986 in blitz, but this is the first time he has achieved a 2900+ in any long-time control format, solidifying his status as history's most adaptive chess player.

A Call for FIDE to Adopt Fischer Random Ratings

The Freestyle Chess rating system was overdue for a long time. Gunnar Bjornsson of the Icelandic Chess Federation suggested in 2018 that FIDE implement a universal rating system for Fischer Random.

In an interview with Chess.com, he complimented the existing rating initiative but called on FIDE to lead the way. He said the FIDE should stick to his 2020 suggestion and begin computing ratings for Fischer Random.

Although FIDE hasn't officially incorporated Fischer Random rankings yet, the growth in interest, particularly with the 2025 Grand Slam Tour's extension to rapid formats, would indicate formal inclusion can't be far behind.

Meanwhile, Magnus' famous table slam after his rare blunder against Gukesh Dommaraju became an instant meme in other chess communities.