#22. Simen Agdestein Talks About Chess And Football!

This week’s episode of the New In Chess Podcast features an interview with Norwegian grandmaster Simen Agdestein. Simen made history by becoming the first Norwegian chess grandmaster in 1985. A nine-time Norwegian chess champion, Simen also had a notable career in professional football, representing the Norwegian national team nine times. Additionally, he has been credited with discovering and fostering the talent of Magnus Carlsen, becoming the latter’s first chess coach.

Two weeks ago, Atle Grønn appeared on the New In Chess Podcast to discuss “Games and Goals: the Fascinating Chess and Football Careers of Simen Agdestein”, a reflection on Simen’s dual professional careers and influence on the game of chess. Interviewed by Dirk Jan ten Geuzendam, this week Simen is here himself to talk about the book, his own career achievements and regrets, as well as the past and future of Norwegian chess.

"Games and Goals" is available for purchase on the New In Chess website:
newinchess.com/games-and-goals
0:00 – Intro

3:25 – How did “Games and Goals” come about?

7:09 – Becoming the first Norwegian grandmaster

11:55 – Simen’s professional football career and the pressures of combining two high-level sports

19:03 – Simen’s career regrets

22:59 – His knee injury and retirement from football

27:55 – AD BREAK

28:37 – How it feels to play football against all-time greats like Baresi and Maldini

31:03 – Simen’s image in the media and reflections on his football career

37:32 – Being the “clown” of the Norwegian football team

40:18 – Discovering Magnus

43:47 – The Norwegian school of chess

47:37 – Comparing Magnus to the greatest players before him

49:37 – Elham Amar: the next Magnus?

53:15 – Winning the Norwegian championship for the 9th time in 2023

58:01 – Outro