Magnus Carlsen, a five-time World Chess Champion, has in recent years explored poker as a serious side activity. He has participated in notable tournaments, including the Norwegian Poker Championship and the PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) Monte Carlo Main Event. His results include a 25th-place finish in Dublin (April 2022, about $5.7K) and 63rd place in Monte Carlo (2023, €15,000).
In April 2023, Carlsen appeared on Hustler Casino Live’s “Creator Poker Night,” where he played a high-profile cash game session. He lost a large $17,095 pot with 7-2 offsuit but later made a notable hero call worth $13,775. By the end of the session, he finished with an overall profit of about $4,490.
Carlsen has made it clear that poker is not a professional goal. He stated: “I have no ambitions in poker. I like playing, it’s an interesting challenge, but I have no ambitions.” His approach combines chess-based skills such as calculation and game theory, but he relies more on discussion and instinct than deep study.
Other elite chess players have also explored poker. Hikaru Nakamura played the 2011 WSOP Main Event, while Alexandra Botez has competed in high-stakes events like Triton Monte Carlo. This crossover reflects a broader trend of chess players testing themselves in poker.
Carlsen’s Major Poker Events
Carlsen’s most significant recorded tournament results come from two events, both showing solid performance against large fields.
In April 2022, he traveled to Dublin to play the Norwegian Poker Championship Main Event. The tournament used a €880 NLH freezeout format, and Carlsen entered Day 4 with the 21st-largest chip stack. He survived early eliminations and ultimately finished in 25th place, earning €5,160 (approximately $5,680). During the event, he tweeted: “That’s it for me. Finished 25th.”
In May 2023, Carlsen entered the €5,300 PokerStars EPT Monte Carlo Main Event. The field had more than 1,098 entries, making it a highly competitive tournament. He played for three days before being eliminated in 63rd place, earning €15,000. This marked his first deep run in a major EPT event, and he noted it was also his first time cashing in such a tournament after watching others play as early as 2007.
Tournament Results Table
| Date | Event | Format | Buy-in | Result | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 5, 2022 | Norwegian Poker Championship (Dublin) – Main Event | NLH, freezeout | €800+80 | 25th | €5,160 (~$5,680) |
| Jul 2022 | WSOP Main Event (Las Vegas) | NLH, freezeout | $10,000 | Did not cash | $0 |
| Apr 13, 2023 | Hustler Casino Live – Creator Night | Cash game ($10/$25 NLH) | N/A | +$4,490 net | $4,490 profit |
| May 1–4, 2023 | EPT Monte Carlo – Main Event | NLH, freezeout | €5,300 | 63rd | €15,000 |
Timeline of Carlsen’s Poker Activity
Carlsen’s poker journey can be tracked through a few key appearances and events. These moments show a gradual transition from casual play to participation in major tournaments and public cash games.
- April 5, 2022. Norwegian Poker Championship (Dublin). Finished 25th (€5,160).
- July 2022. WSOP Main Event (Las Vegas). Participated but did not cash.
- April 13, 2023. Hustler Casino Live (Creator Night). Cash game session, ended +$4,490.
- May 4, 2023. EPT Monte Carlo Main Event. Finished 63rd (€15,000).
This timeline highlights steady exposure rather than a full-time commitment. Carlsen plays selectively but chooses high-visibility events.
Notable Poker Hands and Interviews
Carlsen’s poker style has been shaped by instinct and real-time reasoning rather than heavy study. In interviews, he has emphasized that poker is mainly for enjoyment. He told PokerNews that he prefers discussing hands with others instead of analyzing them deeply on his own.
He also described poker as more stressful than chess. While chess relies on perfect information, poker introduces uncertainty and variance. Carlsen tends to play tighter ranges and admitted he does not track metrics like VPIP precisely, though he joked it is “definitely less than 80.”
One of his most famous hands occurred during the Hustler Casino Live stream. Facing a triple-barrel bluff from TikToker Nick Austin, Carlsen held 4♥3♥, giving him bottom pair. On the river, he faced a large overbet but concluded that his opponent’s bluff range was too narrow. He said, “I just don’t believe you at all,” and made the call, winning a $13,775 pot.
Another notable hand from the same session involved 7♦2♣, considered the worst starting hand in poker. Carlsen raised preflop during a promotional segment and flopped trips. However, he ran into Alexandra Botez’s full house and folded, losing $17,095. Despite this setback, he recovered and finished the session with a net profit of about $4,490.
Observers reacted strongly to his play. Nick Austin commented, “Can’t bluff a super genius I guess,” after losing the bluff. Others praised the call as one of the highlights of the stream. Carlsen himself remained modest, saying: “Sometimes you just feel it.”
Strategy and Chess Influence
Carlsen has repeatedly pointed out the similarities between chess and poker. Both games require calculation under pressure, pattern recognition, and risk management. His experience in blitz chess also helps him handle time constraints in poker situations.
However, there are key differences in his approach. In chess, Carlsen is known for deep calculation and precise technique. In poker, he intentionally relies more on instinct and avoids overthinking. He has said he listens to music while playing to stay calm and reduce stress.
This balance between logic and intuition defines his poker style. He uses his analytical strengths when needed but accepts uncertainty as part of the game.
Other Chess Players in Poker
Carlsen is part of a broader trend of chess players exploring poker. Several well-known figures have participated in tournaments or cash games.
Hikaru Nakamura has played poker for years and entered the 2011 WSOP Main Event, where he was eliminated on Day 2. His total live poker earnings are around $25,000, and his online results are significantly higher.
Alexandra Botez treats poker as a secondary pursuit but has entered high-stakes tournaments, including Triton Monte Carlo events with $25,000 buy-ins. She has also appeared in livestream games alongside Carlsen.
Jan-Krzysztof Duda has dabbled in poker as well. His recorded live earnings are around $13,000, with a best cash near $2,500. While not a major poker figure, his involvement reflects growing interest among younger grandmasters.
Other players, including Ding Liren and Anish Giri, have mentioned playing poker casually. Personalities like Jen Shahade and Levy Rozman also participate in poker streams.
This crossover suggests that many chess players are naturally drawn to poker due to shared skills, even if they do not pursue it professionally.
I’m the senior editor of Attacking Chess, a keen chess player, rated above 2300 in chess.com. You can challenge me or asking questions at Chess.com.