Gukesh Shocks the Chess World with a Comeback Win
In a dramatic Round 6 showdown at the Norway Chess 2025 tournament, D Gukesh, the reigning World Champion, stunned former world number one Magnus Carlsen with his first-ever classical victory over the Norwegian chess titan. Despite being in a losing position for most of the game, Gukesh turned the match on its head with grit and composure.
“99 out of 100 times I would lose,” Gukesh admitted after the game, acknowledging the rare turn of fate that helped him clinch the win.
Magnus Carlsen’s Emotional Outburst
The end of the match wasn’t just a moment of celebration—it also sparked a viral moment of frustration. After his loss, Carlsen banged the table, causing some of the pieces to fall off the board. While he did shake hands and patted Gukesh on the back, Carlsen’s visible anger highlighted the stakes of the match and his dissatisfaction with his own performance.
📹 Watch the video of Carlsen’s outburst on Norway Chess’s official X handle.
Gukesh: “I’ve Banged Tables Too”
Responding to the dramatic moment, Gukesh showed maturity beyond his years. In a post-match interview with Chess.com, he said, “It’s not the way I wanted to win, but I’ll take it. I’ve also banged a lot of tables in my career.”
This light-hearted yet understanding response from Gukesh won over fans, showing sportsmanship and empathy even in a moment of personal triumph.
Coach Vishnu Prasanna Lauds Gukesh’s Fight
Gukesh’s coach, Grandmaster Vishnu Prasanna, praised the 19-year-old’s resilience: “We have to give a lot of credit to Gukesh for his stubbornness and resourcefulness. He knew he was lost but kept pushing till the end.”
Leaderboard Update: Gukesh Inches Closer
With this win, Gukesh moves to the third spot in the Norway Chess 2025 standings with 8.5 points. He now trails just one point behind Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana, setting up a potential race for the title in the remaining rounds.
A Rivalry to Watch
This was the first classical encounter between the two since Gukesh became World Champion, and the match carried added significance as Carlsen returned to classical chess after a long hiatus. Their budding rivalry, marked by grit and mutual respect, is already becoming one of the most captivating storylines in modern chess.
What’s Next for Gukesh?
With momentum on his side, the Indian prodigy is expected to pose a strong challenge to the seasoned giants in the upcoming rounds. Gukesh’s blend of calm demeanor and killer instinct may soon etch his name into the elite legacy of chess champions alongside the likes of Viswanathan Anand.
