That was a truly special day! After all, how many people can boast to have met the true chess legend

Magnus Carlsen in person? And how many can say the faced Magnus over the board, or analyzed with him?

It all started from a call: Magnus will be in Santa Monica with “Team Liquid” Media company doing a chess shoot on various topics (for Youtube and beyond) and if we could be part of it and help with a specific project. Needless to say, we were in. Our students sent video recordings as requested with questions to Magnus, while I was part of the final part: Discussion and Lesson in French Defense. To
those that always ask a question: “Are Chess Champions Normal?, in this case the answer is a resolute “Yes!”. It was a pleasure meeting, conversing, sharing thoughts and generally being around likely the strongest chess player the world has ever produced. Likely the most profound moment was when he instantly recognized me and knew all the Armenian Chess Grandmasters, who played and advanced the “Frech Defense” throughout the years.

A big thank you to Aron Rivin from the Highland Chess Park and the Team Liquid amazing staff for making this possible and inviting us to be part of this unforgettable event.

International Master Levon Altounian