A Triumph Over the World No. 1
In a dramatic turn of events at the Norway Chess 2025 tournament, reigning world chess champion D Gukesh exacted sweet revenge by defeating world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in a thrilling classical chess match on June 1, 2025. The 19-year-old Indian prodigy, who faced a challenging start to the tournament with losses to Carlsen and compatriot Arjun Erigaisi, showcased his resilience and brilliance in this highly anticipated rematch. This victory marks Gukesh’s first classical win over Carlsen since claiming the world championship title in December 2024, solidifying his status as a formidable force in global chess.
Overcoming Early Setbacks
Gukesh’s journey at Norway Chess 2025 was far from smooth. The young champion suffered back-to-back defeats in the opening rounds, first to Carlsen and then to Erigaisi, raising concerns about his form following a lackluster performance at the Grand Chess Tour in Bucharest. However, Gukesh bounced back spectacularly, first defeating American grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura on his 19th birthday and then securing a draw against Fabiano Caruana in an Armageddon tie-break. His win against Carlsen in Round 6 was a statement of intent, proving that the youngest-ever world champion is far from intimidated by the game’s biggest names.
A Game of Grit and Strategy
The clash against Carlsen was a nerve-racking affair, with both players trading blows in a complex endgame. Gukesh, playing with the black pieces, capitalized on a critical mistake by Carlsen, turning the tables after a tense middle game. Posts on X erupted with excitement, with one user proclaiming, “Gukesh beats Magnus, From losing to winning… Finally the World Champion taken revenge today!” The victory not only boosted Gukesh’s confidence but also sent a message to his critics, who had questioned his form after recent struggles in Freestyle Chess events.
India’s Chess Dominance Shines
Gukesh’s triumph was not the only highlight for Indian chess at Norway Chess. Arjun Erigaisi continued to impress by upsetting Nakamura, while Koneru Humpy led the women’s section after a rollercoaster win over Lei Tingjie. Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, who has been a vocal supporter of Gukesh, described the tournament as a “perfect storm” for Indian chess, with the nation’s young talents holding their own against the world’s elite. As Gukesh prepares for the remaining rounds, the chess world is abuzz with anticipation for more epic battles from the young champion.