It's MagnusCarlsen here, the world chess champion for the past 14 years. After dominating the chess world, I've recently found a new passion in competitive programming. However, with AI now solving CP problems, I'm left wondering about the future of this field.
A Historical Parallel
In 1985, the development of Deep Blue began, marking the start of a new era in chess. Nobody believed a computer could defeat a human in chess. By 1996, Deep Blue first challenged Garry Kasparov, but Kasparov won 4-2, leaving some hope to the game and chess fans. Just a year later, in 1997, during the rematch, Deep Blue and defeated Kasparov 3.5-2.5, a victory that sparked documentaries like "Game Over: Kasparov and the Machine". Similarly, just a few years ago, nobody believed AI could solve Codeforces problems. Now, AI models are solving problems up to E level is crazy.
The Threat of AI
As AI continues to advance, it poses a significant threat to the traditional landscape of competitive programming. AI's ability to solve problems quickly and accurately might render many existing problems obsolete. This raises an interesting question: are we at that critical juncture with AI in CP, similar to what happened with chess computers in the late 1990s?
Moderation and Motivation
Ever since 1997, computers have been superior to humans in chess, Is it end of chess? Definitely not! Today the game is even more popular with lots of new players and tournaments. Similarly, while AI is getting exponentially advanced, it doesn't have to be the end of competitive programming. However, it does require moderation to keep the sport motivating. The question remains: how will we adapt to an AI-dominated future?
Share your thoughts!
P.S. If AI can solve CP problems better than me, I'll gladly concede and go back to checkmating my opponents on the chessboard.