Wadim Rosenstein wants to make Magnus Carlsen's return to classical chess the centerpiece of his FIDE presidency campaign. The German businessman told Reuters this week that he would prioritize getting Carlsen back into the World Championship cycle if elected, framing it as part of a larger push for institutional reform in chess governance.
Carlsen's withdrawal from the classical championship in 2023 after losing his title to Ding Liren created a vacuum at the sport's most prestigious level. Since then, the 34-year-old has competed primarily in rapid and blitz formats, leaving the classical World Championship without its most dominant figure of the past decade. Rosenstein sees this absence as a problem that demands a presidential solution.
"We need to communicate to the world that the most important title is the classical world championship," Rosenstein said. "We need to respect our traditions." His message cuts against years of frustration with FIDE's perceived inability to attract or retain elite players in the classical format. Carlsen's departure symbolizes a broader trend where top talents have questioned whether classical chess serves their interests amid lucrative alternatives in rapid and online formats.
What Rosenstein is really proposing goes beyond just coaxing Carlsen back. His platform includes structural changes to FIDE itself. He's running on governance reform, transparency improvements, and stricter conflict-of-interest rules. These aren't flashy promises. They target the institutional dysfunction that has plagued the federation for years. The implication is clear: FIDE's current leadership has failed to make the World Championship attractive enough for the game's best player to participate.
Whether Rosenstein can actually deliver on either front remains uncertain. Carlsen has shown little interest in returning to the classical cycle, and his reasons go deeper than tournament structure. He has expressed concerns about the chess world's direction and FIDE's handling of various controversies. A new president cannot simply will him back into competition.
Still, Rosenstein's candidacy signals that elements within FIDE recognize the problem. A classical World Championship without Carlsen lacks the star power that drives viewership and sponsorship. The narrative that classical chess is the game's truest test rings hollow when the best player refuses to play for the title.
The FIDE presidential election will determine who sets the federation's priorities for the next term. Rosenstein's emphasis on Carlsen and institutional reform appeals to players frustrated with governance lapses. Whether that's enough to win the election, and whether a Carlsen return is even achievable, are separate questions. But at minimum, Rosenstein has identified what many in chess already know: the classical World Championship needs its missing champion.