Carlsen was later coached at the Norwegian College of Elite Sport by the country's top player, Grandmaster (GM) Simen Agdestein,[REF] who in turn cites Norwegian football manager Egil "Drillo" Olsen as a key inspiration for his coaching strategy [REF].
From autumn 2000 to the end of 2002, Carlsen played almost 300 rated tournament games, as well as several blitz tournaments, and participated in other minor events [REF].