A Special Day for the Chess Grandmaster
World-famous chess player Magnus Carlsen tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend, Ella Victoria Malone, in a heartfelt wedding ceremony on January 4, 2025. The event took place at the beautiful Holmenkollen Chapel in Oslo, Norway, with close family and friends in attendance. The intimate setting created a warm and personal atmosphere for the couple to celebrate their love.
A Ceremony Filled with Love and Chess Community Support
At 34 years old, Carlsen—widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players of all time and a five-time World Chess Champion—married Malone, who now goes by the name Ella Victoria Carlsen. The couple exchanged vows in front of an exclusive group of guests, many of whom were prominent figures in the chess world.
Among Carlsen’s best men were FM Johannes Kvisla and Askild Bryn from Chess.com, who have long been part of his journey in chess. Other notable attendees included Grandmaster Peter Heine Nielsen and his wife, Grandmaster Viktoria Cmilyte-Nielsen. Sports commentator Sverre Krogh Sundbo, who covered many of Carlsen’s victories over the years, described the wedding as a beautiful and memorable occasion.
A Lavish Reception with a Touch of Hollywood
Following the ceremony, the newlyweds hosted an elegant wedding reception at Oslo’s Grand Hotel, where guests gathered to celebrate their union with food, music, and heartfelt speeches. Adding a touch of glamour to the event, a Netflix film crew was reportedly present, capturing moments for an upcoming chess-related television series set to premiere later in 2025. While details about the series remain under wraps, fans speculate it might highlight Carlsen’s journey in the chess world.
Who Is Ella Victoria Malone?
Ella Victoria Malone, now 26 years old, has been a key source of support in Carlsen’s life, particularly since their first public appearance as a couple at the Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T. Challenge in Germany in February 2024.
Malone has a diverse background. Born to a Norwegian mother and an American father, she has lived in several countries, including Singapore and the United States. While she does not have a professional chess background, she has grown increasingly involved in the chess community, often traveling with Carlsen to major tournaments around the world.
Balancing Love ad Career
This marriage marks an important milestone in Carlsen’s life. As he steps into this new chapter, he must also juggle his professional commitments. Just a few days after the wedding, Carlsen is set to make his debut with St. Pauli in the German Bundesliga on January 10, a highly anticipated match that will test his skills against fierce competition.
Despite his busy chess schedule, Carlsen has spoken about how Malone’s support has helped him stay focused and grounded in both his personal and professional life. Their marriage symbolizes not just a romantic commitment but also a partnership built on mutual encouragement and understanding.
How They Met
Magnus Carlsen and Ella Victoria Malone first appeared together publicly at the Freestyle Chess G.O.A.T. Challenge in Germany in February 2024. While they may have met earlier in private, this event marked the beginning of their visible relationship.
Since then, Malone has been a regular presence at Carlsen’s chess tournaments, including high-profile events like the Champions Chess Tour Finals in Oslo and the World Rapid & Blitz Championships in New York later that year. She has expressed enthusiasm for being part of the chess world, often sharing her experiences supporting Carlsen during his matches. In interviews, she has described the role as both exciting and stressful, given the pressure of high-level competition.
A New Beginning for the Couple
Now officially married, Magnus Carlsen and Ella Victoria Malone step into a new phase of life together. As Carlsen continues to dominate the world of chess, Malone will likely remain by his side, offering encouragement and support. Their journey together promises to be filled with adventure, love, and perhaps even new surprises within the chess world.
Their story is a reminder that even the world’s greatest minds in chess find time for love, balance, and family. Fans around the world will undoubtedly be watching with excitement as they embark on this next chapter together.