Bhubaneswar: In a fiery clash at the Norway Chess 2025 tournament, Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh avenged his past defeats by stunning World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen—and triggering an uncharacteristic outburst from the usually composed Norwegian.
Moments after Gukesh delivered the checkmate sequence, a visibly frustrated Carlsen punched the table, a rare public display of emotion from the five-time World Champion. The video of the moment has gone viral, capturing both the intensity of the match and the high stakes of this elite chess battleground.
Gukesh turns it all around and WINS his first classical game against Magnus Carlsen!https://t.co/7Aid1cvNlK#NorwayChess pic.twitter.com/KMpRadXJq0
— chess24 (@chess24com) June 1, 2025
Gukesh’s Redemption Arc
At just 18, Gukesh is proving that he’s not just a prodigy—he’s a force to be reckoned with at the highest level. This win wasn’t just personal—it was tactical, clinical, and executed with maturity beyond his years.
With this dramatic win, Gukesh jumps to third place in the leaderboard with 8.5 points, now trailing Carlsen and American Fabiano Caruana by just one point. The tournament, already intense, just got tighter.
A Rivalry in the Making
This victory marks a crucial turning point for Gukesh, who has faced Carlsen multiple times but had never managed to best him in classical time control—until now. This wasn’t just about points; it was about making a mark.
“This one means a lot,” Gukesh said after the match, barely concealing his satisfaction. “Magnus is a legend. But on the board, everyone is equal.”
Carlsen, on the other hand, skipped the post-match press huddle, his frustration speaking volumes.
India’s Next Big Hope
Gukesh’s triumph comes on the heels of his historic Candidates win earlier this year, making him India’s next World Championship challenger. With Viswanathan Anand’s mentorship and a steely resolve of his own, Gukesh is fast becoming the new face of Indian chess.
What’s Next?
With three rounds to go, the Norway Chess 2025 leaderboard is tighter than ever. Can Gukesh pull off another shocker and claim the top spot? All eyes are now on the youngster who just shook the world’s best.
From quiet concentration to clenched fists and slammed tables—Norway Chess 2025 has it all.
And with Gukesh rising, a new chapter in global chess may just be unfolding before our eyes.
