EP 484: Jordan Himelfarb on Interregnum and the Drama of the 2024 Candidates Cycle

Jordan Himelfarb is an award-winning editor for the Toronto Star and an avid games player who became fascinated by elite chess during the pandemic. That fascination eventually led to his excellent new book,  Interregnum : Inside the Grueling and Glamourous Battle to Become the Next King of Chess, a detailed and highly readable chronicle of the 2024 FIDE Candidates cycle. Jordan traveled to events including the World Cup, Grand Swiss, Candidates Tournament and World Championship match, gathering revealing first-hand reflections from many of the game’s top players along the way. We discuss: Why the Candidates cycle makes for such compelling sports drama The emotional and physical toll of professional chess Which players and personal stories resonated with him most Ding Liren, Fabiano Caruana, Gukesh and the shifting generational landscape in chess The controversies, chaos and unforgettable moments of the 2024 cycle I recommend Jordan’s book to anyone looking for “bedtime chess reading”, and this was a really fun conversation. 00:00 Project Origins, Jordan’s Chess and Games Background 03:48 The Structure and Narrative of the Book 07:01 Experiences at Major Chess Events 09:54 Challenges and Insights in Reporting 12:46 The Physical and Mental Toll of Chess 15:58 Gender Dynamics in Chess 19:00- Patreon mailbag question: Which Candidates’ story resonated with Jordan the most?  22:16 The Weight of the Crown: Mental Health in Chess 23:40 Compelling Stories of Chess Players 25:30 The Agony and Ecstasy of Chess 30:07 The Relentless Grind of Chess Tournaments 31:09 Drama and Controversy in the Chess World 36:20 Expectations and Surprises in the Candidates Cycle 38:13 The Future of Young Chess Players 39:54 Personal Reflections on Chess 40:00- Thanks to Jordan for joining me, here is where to get the book: https://www.amazon.com/Interregnum-Inside-Grueling-Glamorous-Battle/dp/1639369910 Audiobook: https://www.amazon.com/Interregnum-Inside-Grueling-Glamorous-Battle/dp/B0GCPR89VZ/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices