He’s been called the Mozart of chess. But during a recent stroll in New York, grandmaster Magnus Carlsen was just like any other player in Washington Square Park.

The 25-year-old Norwegian, who’s the world’s best chess player, was joined by actress Liv Tyler as he challenged a number of players — and most of them had no idea who he was.

Magnus Carlsen, 25,  the top-ranking chess grandmaster in the world, went undercover to challenge hustlers in New York’s Washington Square Park

Most who faced off against Carlsen at Washington Square Park didn’t know who he was — but quickly discovered once he started beating them in 10 moves

He stopped by the Manhattan park alongside close friend Liv Tyler to challenge a number of local hustlers.
‘At the moment, I didn’t know who it was,’ said one of the players who faced off Carlsen in October 6.
‘I was just playing. I tried to win, but when I saw him make a move, already I knew it was like, you know, he’s a very strong player.

Meanwhile, 39-year-old Tyler smiled and snapped photos on her cellphone while watching Carlsen play in the park.

• Magnus Carlsen, 25, is the top-ranking chess grandmaster in the world
• Carlsen became a grandmaster at age 13 and, by 19, he was already considered the world’s best player

• Carlsen and Tyler have appeared together on a number of occasions since they starred together in a fashion campaign in 2010

  

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