Magnus Carlsen has been regarded as one of the best chess players in history for years due to his unrelenting focus and strategic genius. However, the former world champion has started a new journey—marriage—beyond the competitions and titles. Carlsen and Ella Victoria Malone, who had been a quiet but dependable presence by his side for the past year, exchanged vows on January 4, 2025.
Carlsen’s personal life has mostly remained quiet, despite the chess community scrutinizing every move he makes. That changed in 2024 when he was seen with Malone at tournaments, raising questions about the woman he had fallen in love with. Who is she? Where did they first meet? Furthermore, what function does she serve in the Grandmaster’s life? Let’s examine the specifics.
Who Is Ella Victoria Malone? A Closer Look at Carlsen’s Wife
| Name | Ella Victoria Malone (Now Ella Victoria Carlsen) |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1998 (26 years old) |
| Nationality | American & Norwegian |
| Family Background | Norwegian mother, American father |
| Grew Up In | Singapore (permanent resident) |
| Education | Boarding school in the U.S., university in Canada |
| Connection to Chess | Plays chess recreationally on Chess.com |
| First Public Appearance with Carlsen | February 2024, Germany |
(Source: Chess.com) , Instagram
Malone is an intriguing person in her own way because of her multicultural upbringing. She adds a worldwide perspective to their relationship because she was raised in the United States, Singapore, and Norway. Their union is a fusion of two worlds because of her strong ties to Singapore, where she has lived permanently, and Carlsen’s strong ties to Norway.
Malone enjoys playing chess and participates in fast matches online, despite not being a professional player. More significantly, she has been Carlsen’s steadfast support system, assisting him in managing his obligations and juggling his schedule with his father.
How Did Ella Victoria Malone and Magnus Carlsen Cross Paths?
For a while, their relationship was kept under wraps, until in February 2024, the first public indication of their romance surfaced. The pair was observed exiting the player’s room hand in hand while attending the Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T. Challenge in Germany.
Together, they made their first public appearance
Thinking back on that instance, Malone revealed:
“I believe that on the first day, there were numerous cameras when we arrived at the arena and got out of the car. He walked one way, and I went another because I had no idea where to go. It was quite strange. We made the decision to be together in public after that brief encounter.
Malone and Carlsen were regularly spotted together at important occasions following their debut, such as:
Finals of the Champions Chess Tour in Oslo (late 2024)
New York City hosts the World Rapid and Blitz Championships in December 2024.
Carlsen, who has a reputation for being quiet and reclusive, has publicly acknowledged the significance of her presence in his life.
Carlsen and Malone’s special day at a grandmaster’s wedding
Days after Carlsen won the World Blitz Chess Championship—a title he controversially split with Ian Nepomniachtchi—the couple was married on January 4, 2025. Close family members and friends attended the little wedding, which took place in Norway.
At his wedding, did Carlsen wear jeans?
Many fans conjectured that Carlsen could wear jeans and a hoodie to his wedding because of his easygoing style. He shocked everyone, though, by wearing a sleek black tuxedo, white shirt, and black bowtie—possibly a reflection of Malone’s influence on his style preferences.
This follows Carlsen’s controversial $200 punishment for wearing jeans at the World Rapid Chess Championship, which caused him to withdraw from the competition.
Where Are They Going to Live? Singapore or Norway?
Carlsen has voiced concerns about relocating to Norway permanently, pointing to the heavy media attention and scrutiny that accompany his celebrity. He clarified in an interview with The Guardian:
“I will not live in Norway full-time because I do not want my future wife and children to also have to live under that pressure.”
However, Malone has made it clear that she wants to live in Singapore, saying:
“I prefer this; this is my home.”
Although they have not yet determined where they will live permanently, it is obvious that the couple is amenable to a flexible lifestyle that allows them to spend time on other continents.
What Will Happen to Magnus Carlsen Next?
Carlsen is still as competitive as ever after getting married. He is getting ready to face current world champion Gukesh Dommaraju in the German Bundesliga on his debut with St. Pauli.
Carlsen is still a volatile force in the chess world, as evidenced by his recent scandals and triumphs at the World Rapid and Blitz Championship, including his surprising choice to share the Blitz championship with Nepomniachtchi.
Magnus Carlsen’s New Chapter
Magnus Carlsen has been at the top of the chess world for more than ten years, carefully preparing each move on the board. But his most recent decision—getting married—may be the most intimate and surprising one he has made to far.
A new chapter in his life has begun with his marriage to Ella Victoria Malone, who brings a supportive companion into his high-stakes world. Malone may provide Carlsen’s life a fresh sense of equilibrium and stability, even though he is still a very strong player.
With a formidable partner at his side, the chess community will be closely following the former world champion’s next moves in both his personal and professional lives.
