Caruana: I Had a Dream I Would Become World Champion

Caruana on How He Got Into Chess

"Growing up in New York was like a dream. I love the city's vibrant rhythm. My childhood was filled with the joy of movement, running outside, riding bikes with friends, and playing games on the school playground. One day, however, to my parents' regret, I discovered video games. From that moment, I wanted to play all the time, and that's how I discovered chess. I started playing around the age of five or six because I had attention problems. Chess was recommended as a way to improve my concentration. So, I started playing with kids in an after-school program, where I was discovered by a chess coach."

Caruana on His Disastrous First Tournament

"I vividly remember my first tournament. I lost all my games on time because I kept forgetting to press the clock. My older opponents occasionally reminded me, but in the end, I lost all the games on time. My first chess experience was far from triumphant."

Caruana on Playing Instead of Studying Chess

"I always enjoyed playing more than studying. I love the tension and strategic battle, but theory never appealed to me. I didn't want to study or take lessons, even though I did. Most of my pleasure came from playing."

Caruana on Childhood Sacrifices for Chess

"From my teenage years, I led an unusual life. I didn't have the usual social bonds formed at school, nor did I experience the joys and sorrows of applying to college. I dedicated all my time and effort to chess. Yes, I sacrificed something, but had I not started chess so early, I probably wouldn't be who I am today."

Caruana on the Road to the 2018 World Championship Match

"The journey to the World Championship began at the 2018 Candidates Tournament. I qualified after a tough battle, competing with Wesley So and Vladimir Kramnik. During the 2017 World Cup, I got tonsillitis but recovered and defeated Kramnik in a key game, securing my spot at the Candidates. This tournament was the most important for me and paved the way for my match with Magnus Carlsen."

Caruana on the Pressure of Playing for the World Championship

"The match with Magnus was tight and full of tension. Looking back, I ask myself what I could have done better. It was both psychologically and physically challenging. Sitting at the board, you realize it's not a regular event. It's just the two of us, surrounded by flashes of cameras. It was a strange and intense experience. I was very nervous throughout."

Caruana on the Match Against Carlsen

"I think I handled the psychological part well. Although there were mistakes, I never completely lost control. The match ended in a tiebreak, and Magnus, being the favorite, won. It was an experience I'll never forget."

Caruana on Future Chances for the Title

"I always believed there would be another chance, but I realize I might have squandered a big opportunity. There are no guarantees. Every chance is extremely important because it might not come again."

Caruana on the 2020-1 Candidates Tournament Stopped by COVID

"The 2020 Candidates Tournament was very unusual, split into two parts due to COVID. I remember preparing for a game against Maxime when we got the call that the tournament was postponed. We played the game a year later, and thanks to careful preparation, I won."

Caruana on Playing Only to Win at the 2022 Candidates

"Halfway through the tournament, I was three points ahead, and Ian was four. Magnus talked about possibly not defending his title, leading me to play only for victory. In hindsight, it was a rash decision, but that was my strategy."

Caruana on Dreaming of Becoming World Champion

"I vividly remember dreaming around the age of ten that I would become world champion. This dream has not yet materialized, but I still hope it will come true someday. It was a dream that remains with me to this day, and it would be interesting to see how reality matches my visions."

This article offers an insight into the life and career of Fabiano Caruana, one of the world's top chess players. His journey is filled with triumphs and missed opportunities, and his dreams and ambitions remain alive.