Pontus Carlsson is a Swedish chess Grandmaster and International Master. He is the seventh grandmaster of Sweden and the first who is black. Carlsson was born on December 18, 1982, in Cali, Colombia, then adopted by a Swedish family as a baby. He started playing chess at the age of five and won several championships including the Nordic Championship for juniors.
At the age of 14, Carlsson won his first International Master norm in Rilton Cup 1997/1998. In 2004, he obtained the title of senior Master from the Swedish Chess Association and in 2007 he officially became a chess Grandmaster. In addition to competing on the chess board, Carlsson has been a sports soldier, a teacher, and a coach. He is also an esteemed chess columnist.
Carlsson is not just known for his athletic prowess, but also for his passion in fighting against racism, and advocates for the importance of diversity and representation in the chess world. He works with projects across the world to provide opportunities for children to engage in chess and is a regular promoter of charity chess events.