Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\nCaruana recently returned to South Florida to represent Team USA in an elite international rapid and blitz chess competition at Faena Miami Beach, featuring some of the world\u2019s top grandmasters.<\/p>\n
Chess finds a new generation<\/p>\n
While chess has existed for centuries, Caruana says the game has evolved considerably in recent years. Online platforms have made it easier than ever for people to learn and compete, helping introduce the game to millions of new players.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe great thing about chess is it\u2019s very accessible,\u201d Caruana said. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t cost anything to play. You can play online for free.\u201d<\/p>\n
Caruana also believes the benefits extend well beyond competition.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s one of the really useful things that chess can do for people,\u201d he said, pointing to its potential cognitive benefits and the lessons it can teach children, including \u201cself-control, patience, hard work.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite chess\u2019 growing online popularity, Caruana said players are still working to overcome the perception that the game is slow or outdated.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think we\u2019ve had to fight this perception that chess is an old-fashioned game,\u201d he said. \u201cThere are a lot of ways chess can be exciting, but the best way to decide is to give it a try.\u201d<\/p>\n
Much of that excitement, he said, comes from the tension players experience even when there may not be much visible action to spectators.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe tension that you feel, you may not see on the outside, but you feel while you\u2019re playing it,\u201d Caruana said.<\/p>\n
That pressure is amplified in rapid and blitz competitions, where players have significantly less time to make decisions.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you\u2019re playing as fast as possible, nothing goes through your mind except your next move,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Chasing a world championship<\/p>\n
Despite already reaching the upper echelon of the chess world, Caruana still has one major goal left on his list: becoming world champion.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would like to fight for the World Championship title,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Caruana said he expects to have another opportunity to pursue that goal during the 2028 championship cycle.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll be able to try in the next cycle, which is in 2028,\u201d he said, \u201cand hopefully I\u2019ll make it then.\u201d<\/p>\n
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