Magnus Carlsen gives his verdict on the greatest chess player of all time

The reigning Esports World Cup champion was put on the spot during a lie detector test alongside long-time rival Hikaru Nakamura, with the pair answering a series of questions during the Esports World Cup.

Carlsen was asked one of the biggest questions in chess: does he believe he is the greatest player of all time?

The Norwegian did not hesitate with his answer.

Who does Magnus Carlsen think is the greatest chess player of all time?

Nakamura asked Carlsen whether he believed he was the greatest chess player of all time.

"Yes," Carlsen replied.

The lie detector indicated that he was telling the truth, confirming that the world number one genuinely puts himself at the top of the all-time list.

Carlsen's answer is particularly interesting given his previous praise for Garry Kasparov, another leading contender for the title of chess' greatest-ever player.

The Norwegian has previously spoken of Kasparov's remarkable longevity at the top of the sport and has not always been willing to place himself ahead of the former world champion.

His latest answer, however, leaves little doubt about where Carlsen now believes he belongs.

Does Magnus Carlsen have a case to be the greatest ever?

Carlsen's record makes his confidence understandable.

The Norwegian became classical world champion in 2013 and successfully defended the title four times before deciding not to contest another championship match.

He also holds the highest classical rating ever recorded, reaching 2882, and has collected a remarkable number of world titles across classical, rapid and blitz chess.

Carlsen has remained the dominant figure in the sport despite voluntarily giving up his classical crown.

The 35-year-old recently added another major honour to his collection by retaining his Esports World Cup title, completing the tournament without losing a single game.

And when the question was put directly to him under a lie detector, Carlsen made it clear exactly where he believes that career places him in chess history.