Ella Victoria Carlsen Opens Up About Life With Magnus And Plans For The Future

In an exclusive first interview, Ella Victoria Carlsen has shed light on her relationship with GM Magnus Carlsen, her new role, and their shared journey.

The couple exchanged vows in a picturesque ceremony in the snowy hills of Oslo, attended by close friends and family on Saturday, as reported by Chess.com.

Now, the popular chess podcast Sjakksnakk, hosted by Guinness World Record holders CM Odin Blikra Vea and Askild Bryn, has released a new episode where Ella Victoria offers unique insights into her new life with arguably the greatest chess player of all time.

The 26-year-old has a Norwegian mother and an American father, but reveals she was born in Hong Kong. She grew up mostly in Singapore, where she is a permanent resident. Her education took her to the U.K, the U.S., and Canada, though she lived in Norway for four-five years when she was younger.

As is the case with millions of others, her chess journey began when she watched Netflix hit series The Queen's Gambit in 2020. She shared how she was surprised looking up whether the series was based on a true story. "I expected some really cool woman to be the world's best, and it was Magnus! I remember I thought, 'Ah, he's Norwegian!' And that was that."

I expected some really cool woman to be the world's best, and it was Magnus! I remember I thought , 'Ah, he's Norwegian!'

—Ella Victoria Carlsen on husband Magnus.

She was hooked on chess for six weeks and used it to procrastinate during her studies, watching GM Garry Kasparov and IM Levy Rozman videos. "I have a Chess.com account. That's pretty much it! I am not good. My rating is 1000-1100," she says.

While keeping details on their first meeting private, she recounts Magnus' demeanor.

"He was really sweet when we first met. He was very shy and nervous. It was very endearing. He is incredibly intelligent. He remembered my birthday immediately, which really flattered me. But it turns out he has a really good memory, so I am not sure! He remembers everyone's birthday!"

She also admires his authenticity, saying: "He is a breath of fresh air. I don't think a lot of people know that. He’s just so authentic and unapologetically himself, and he inspires me, and I love that about him!"

He’s just so authentic and unapologetically himself, and he inspires me, and I love that about him!

—Ella Victoria Carlsen on husband Magnus.

The couple’s relationship became public during the Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T Challenge in Germany in February. Photos of the two quickly went viral, which marked a turning point for Ella Victoria.

"I think the original plan was for me just not be seen, but that was obviously really hard. There was one of these videos, the first day we arrive at the player arena. We get out of the car, the cameras are there. I am going this way, but I don't know where to go, but he's going that way. It was a bit strange. We decided after that awkward moment that we would be together."

Carlsen went on to win the event in Germany in great style, which marked the start of an excellent 2024. He won nine tournaments, including his fifth Champions Chess Tour and his eighth World Blitz Chess Championship.

The world number-one is unlikely to cut down on online chess in the near future, as shown by his seven blitz games against GM Daniel Naroditsky on Chess.com at 4 a.m. on his wedding night.

Ella Victoria's impact seems to have been immediate, but she has her own theories as to why he has done so well.

"I would love to take the credit, but I think it's a mix of things. He's really into golf now. These chess players are kind of in their own worlds because they are always thinking about chess. When he golfs, I think it really gives him some time off from that constant chess thought and thinking about chess. Those breaks in his life really helps him relax."

When he golfs, I think it really gives him some time off from that constant chess thought and thinking about chess. Those breaks in his life really helps him relax.

—Ella Victoria Carlsen on husband Magnus.

stepped into a professional role as Magnus’s secretary, managing his schedule, coordinating interviews, and liaising with organizers. "It works really well. I am not just sitting around bored at the hotel twiddling my fingers and watching his games. We have a lot to do, and I love it," she says.

She also touches on the dark side of fame—the hateful online comments. How does she deal with that?

"I try not to read them. Magnus doesn't go through any comments. That's nice, and at least I know he's not seeing them," she says. "You are always curious to know how you are being received. I think this is the first time I have been put in the public. That's another reason why I don't want to do interviews since this is really difficult to me. I don't feel like I can be myself, even to you two who are my close friends," she said. "I am super nervous right now, I am shaking!"

Carlsen has previously made it clear he is ready to settle down and start a family of his own, and Ella Victoria confirms: "As soon as time allows. He has a busy schedule. I am not sure how we are going to manage the travelling with kids, but it's definitely something we both want," adding:  "He is going to be an amazing father!"

Carlsen's wife and secretary promises 2025 is going to be a busy year, and they won't have time to settle down just yet.

"Ideally we will have time to settle down and be in one place, but we just don't have time. We are already going through the 2025 schedule and there's a lot to do," mentioning the upcoming 2025 Freestyle Chess Grand Slam and the Esports World Cup.