Gukesh D Secures First Classical Win Over Magnus Carlsen at Norway Chess 2025

The sixth-round encounter began with solid play from both players, but it quickly evolved into a fierce positional struggle. Gukesh adopted a sharp but defensive setup, carefully navigating Carlsen’s aggressive lines. As the game progressed into the fifth hour, tension mounted. Despite being under pressure for much of the game, Gukesh managed to turn the tables with a series of clever tactical resources.

“It was a tricky game. At one point, I felt I was in serious trouble,” Gukesh said in the post-match interview. “Most times, I would have lost a game like this. Today was my lucky day. I had to make the most of the moment.”

The decisive blow came after a series of brilliant endgame maneuvers by Gukesh, culminating in a checkmate on move 62. The result left the home crowd stunned. Carlsen appeared visibly shaken by the loss and exited the arena in haste — an uncharacteristic moment from the usually composed Norwegian star.

Carlsen’s Collapse and Gukesh’s Rise

Magnus Carlsen, widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players in history, became a Grandmaster at the age of 13 in 2004 and held the World Champion title from 2013 to 2023. Known for his tenacity and endgame mastery, Carlsen has rarely lost in classical formats, making Gukesh’s win all the more remarkable.

The 18-year-old Gukesh D, who became the third-youngest Grandmaster in history at the age of 12, is no stranger to making headlines. In 2024, he became the World Chess Champion, cementing his place among the elite. With this latest win, Gukesh became the second Indian player after Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa to defeat Carlsen in a classical game.

This victory not only enhances Gukesh’s reputation but also reflects a significant shift in the global chess landscape, where young Indian talents continue to challenge the established hierarchy.

Climbing the Leaderboard

Gukesh’s pivotal victory propelled him to third place on the tournament leaderboard with a total of 8.5 points. The Norway Chess 2025 format features a mix of classical games with Armageddon tie-breakers, making each win in classical time control especially valuable. Gukesh’s ability to score against Carlsen under such conditions showcases his composure and strategic depth.

The tournament continues to be fiercely competitive, with several top-rated players in the mix. However, Gukesh’s victory has added a new level of excitement and anticipation among fans and analysts alike.

India’s Chess Revolution

India has seen an explosive growth in chess talent over the past decade, and Gukesh is a shining example of this new generation. Following in the footsteps of Viswanathan Anand and joined by peers like Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, and Nihal Sarin, Gukesh is part of a wave of young players bringing glory to Indian chess on the global stage.

His win over Carlsen symbolizes not just personal achievement but also the rising dominance of Indian chess. It serves as an inspiration to aspiring players across the country.