Chess prodigy Alireza Firouzja, once hailed as the next Magnus Carlsen and a top contender for the Candidates Tournament, has seen his classical chess standing decline. Despite early success and high praise, including from Carlsen himself, Firouzja did not make a lasting impression in his two Candidates appearances. The chess landscape has shifted, with new young talents emerging, but Firouzja reportedly remains unfazed, prioritizing personal growth over ratings.