World No.1 chess star Magnus Carlsen set to marry girlfriend Ella Victoria Malone: Reports

World No.1 Magnus Carlsen is reportedly preparing to marry his girlfriend, Ella Victoria Malone, as reported by Verdens Gang (VG), one of Norway's leading news outlets. The couple confirmed the news through their friend Magnus Barstad, although they have chosen to keep details of their wedding private in order to maintain a sense of peace and intimacy on their special day.

Rumors suggest that the wedding will take place following Carlsen's recent victory in the World Blitz Championship 2024, which he shared with Ian Nepomniachtchi of Russia. Malone, a 26-year-old who has largely stayed out of the spotlight on social media, has been seen accompanying Carlsen to chess matches and other events.

According to Davide Nastasio, a former chess player from the United States, Malone has a unique background with an American father and a Norwegian mother. She has lived abroad multiple times, including during her time in school, and hails from the western part of Oslo where she attended the Uranienborg School in the Frogner area.

Malone has been a constant presence by Carlsen's side at most tournaments, taking on an increasingly significant role within Team Carlsen. The couple made their first public appearance together in February of last year.

Tragically, Carlsen lost his mother, Sigrun, this past summer at the age of 61. He brought his father, Henrik, two sisters, and his future wife to New York to support him during this difficult time.

Carlsen has been making headlines in the media recently, first with the controversy surrounding his choice of attire and then with his victory in the World Blitz Chess Championship in New York.

In a surprising turn of events, Carlsen proposed to his opponent, Ian Nepomniachtchi, that they share the title after a grueling seven-game match. Nepomniachtchi agreed without hesitation, creating a historic moment in the world of chess on Wednesday.

The decision to share the title came after three consecutive draws in the sudden-death stage. Carlsen had initially been in the lead, winning the first two games and needing only a draw to secure victory. However, Nepomniachtchi fought back with determination, winning two crucial games to even the score at 2-2 and force a sudden-death showdown.

Despite their best efforts, the sudden-death games ended in three draws. Carlsen then proposed sharing the title, a decision that was later approved by FIDE, solidifying a unique and memorable moment in chess history.

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