Entire world selection-4 GM Alireza Firouzja has been mysteriously inactive in the previous year with remarkably handful of match appearances. In a uncommon, new job interview, the teen confirmed rumors about him trying to find an alternative job.
Firouzja, the Iranian-born French teenage prodigy hailed as a foreseeable future successor to the chess throne, has not performed a solitary about-the-board match given that September. His very last party was his outstanding double victory in St. Louis, profitable the Speedy & Blitz event and Sinquefield Cup, his only classical function given that the Candidates, last July.
The 19-year-outdated had a disappointing result in the Airthings Masters 2023, in which he certified for the knockout phase, but was then overwhelmed convincingly by GM Arjun Erigaisi.
Whilst Firouzja once in a while displays up in Titled Tuesday tournaments, his supporters are still left mystified as to why the young star has been so inactive. Now the teen has, for the initial time, shared an explanation.

Speaking to chess streamer WFM Alessia Santeramo prior to an online match against GM Praggnanandhaa R., Firouzja confirmed rumors that have been circulating for a when:
A job in style design and style. Rather cryptically, he responded to the rumors:
“Certainly, I was in this business for two years now. It really is kind of a significant matter. It really is enhancing every day and, of course, it is variety of a real profession.”
A lot more facts on the extent of his new career, or how substantially this affects his chess, is not however clear, but Firouzja extra:
“It can be using time from my chess, but I like to have both of those things jointly.”
The younger star does not intend to close his chess profession just still. Firouzja also discovered that he will be more active in the 2nd element of 2023, actively playing in the Grand Chess Tour and in Norway Chess, which is set to take spot in May well. The relaxation of the field in these gatherings is nonetheless to be declared.
Chess.com achieved out to Firouzja for comment but is nonetheless to acquire an respond to.
It would not be the 1st time a leading chess player has experienced a vocation exterior of chess. GMs Magnus Carlsen and Alexander Grischuk are among the chess stars taking part in poker actively.
Several other gamers have also specified up skilled chess, either partly or thoroughly, to chase professions in other fields. One particular case in point is GM Gata Kamsky, who had an 8-calendar year split from chess setting up when he was 22 and was ranked sixth in the environment in 1996, getting up regulation university.
French GM Joel Lautier, who peaked 15th in the globe, retired from his chess profession in 2006 to become a businessman.