World Championship Predictions

As we are approaching the 2021 World Championship match between Ian Nepomniachtchi the challenger and Magnus Carlsen the favorite and current world champion the question in all of our minds is," Will Carlsen or Nepo win." Before I reveal my prediction, I want to show some of the best players and chess streamers predictions. Thank you to this article published by chess.com. https://www.chess.com/news/view/carlsen-nepomniachtchi-predictions

Anand's prediction: "Of course, Magnus is a huge favorite, but Ian will definitely have his chances. For Magnus, it's inevitably getting difficult. It’s already his fifth match, so I don’t think the fire is burning so hard inside. He’s also been complaining about it for a while, but as for Ian, he should be very motivated now, so it can be interesting.

Kramnik's prediction: "so for the challenger, it is important after the start of the match to get the feeling that you are in, that you are as valid."

Karjakin's prediction: He thinks that it will go to the better prepared player.

MVL's prediction: Ian has a shot.

Grischuk's prediction: Magnus is the favorite but not drastically.

Gurajthi's prediction: Magnus is the favorite, but if anyone can surprise, it's Nepo.

Aryan Tari's prediction: Magnus is the clear favorite, and has a 70% chance to win.

Hans Niemann's prediction: If Nepo loses one game the match is over.

Alexandra Kosteniuk's prediction: Ian will win.

Vincent Keymer's prediction: It's about feeling good, and having the right mindset.

David Howell's prediction: Magnus is the favorite, but it's going to be closer than people think.

Andrey Esipenko's prediction: "I think it will be a tough match, and it depends who will be in a better form."

Boris Gelfand's prediction: "I never make predictions, but I want to see a big match. I want to see all 14 games played."

Danny Rensch's prediction: Nepo will win, and there will be 5 decisive games in classical chess.

Robert Hess's prediction: "Magnus will win the match in 13 games. I predict a score of +3 =9 -1 for him."

Aman Hambleton's prediction: "First of all, I think Magnus will win and defend his title."

Ben Finegold's prediction: "7.5-5.5 to Magnus." 

Yasser Seriawan's prediction: It could be a blowout for either side.

Gregory Serper's prediction: He thinks that it depends on Nepo's mood.

Caruana's prediction: He thinks that Magnus has an edge, but not a large one.

Nepomniachtchi's thoughts: He thinks that he could do more prep.

Carlsen's thoughts: He thinks, "My biggest advantage is that I am better at chess." He thinks that if he can be at his best than he will have very good chances to win. He never has a good feeling playing Nepomniachtchi because he feels that he is applying the pressure, instead of the other way around.

The public's perspective: From what I have seen most people prefer Carlsen, shown well by this survey published by Chess.com where almost 30,000 people participatated in.

There have been a lot of people who have been just going for Carlsen because he is the world champion which is a fair thing to say. However, many of you may not remember that Nepo has a 4-1 score (not counting draws) in classical against Magnus. In rapid, which is the tiebreaker Magnus should have a better chance of winning. 

And my prediction:

             Magnus Carlsen!!

I predict that Magnus Carlsen will beat Ian Nepomniachtchi with a score of 8-6. However, I predict at least 4 games will be wins, unlike Carlsen-Karjakin, or Carlsen-Caruana which were all draws and were settled in the rapid tiebreak.

What do you think? Will it be a win for Nepomniachtchi, or will Carlsen win and make this his 5th world championship win? What do you think that the score will be in the match? Please answer in the comments below. Thank you for reading and goodbye for now.