Mike Safo with Nigel Short, Chess Grandmaster and Legend

About this episode

Mike Safo interviews Chess Grandmaster Nigel Short about his career and contributions to the game of chess worldwide.

Joined today by Chess Grandmaster, and former number 3 player in the world, and current Director of Development for the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the legendary Nigel Short. Nigel and I chat into how we first met in the remote island of Kiribati, and from there, we talk about the incredible work he does bringing chess to every corner of the world. He shares what it’s like to build and support chess federations in over 15 countries and territories, the challenges he faces in developing regions, and the pride he feels watching those nations compete, and even win, on the international stage. We, of course, take a look back at Nigel’s remarkable career: learning the game at age five, rising as a prodigy, defeating a world champion at just ten years old, and becoming a Grandmaster by 19. He opens up about how chess shaped his life, what it means to live as a professional player, and his unforgettable World Championship match against Garry Kasparov, along with what he might have done differently. With that, we discuss how the game has changed from the 1980s to today, his global travels, countries still on his list that he needs to visit, and some unique personal moments…

People in this episode

Host: Mike Safo

Guest: Nigel Short

Topics covered

• chess
• chess federations
• professional chess
• Nigel Short
• international competition

Keywords

• Grandmaster
• FIDE
• chess development
• international chess
• Garry Kasparov

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Kiribati, England

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