In a dramatic turn of events at the Norway Chess 2025 tournament, reigning World Champion D. Gukesh secured his first-ever classical victory against chess legend Magnus Carlsen, prompting a rare display of frustration from the Norwegian Grandmaster who reportedly punched the table after his defeat.
The highly anticipated Round 6 clash saw Carlsen, playing on home turf in Stavanger, appear to have a significant advantage for much of the game. However, Gukesh, the 19-year-old Indian prodigy, demonstrated remarkable resilience and composure under pressure. As both players entered time trouble, Carlsen made a crucial blunder in the endgame, allowing Gukesh to seize the initiative and ultimately convert the position into a stunning win after 62 moves.
Magnus punches table
The emotional impact of the loss was evident on Carlsen’s face. Immediately after Gukesh’s decisive move, Carlsen was seen slamming his fist on the chessboard, causing pieces to scatter. He then reportedly left the playing hall swiftly, skipping media duties, a testament to the stinging nature of the defeat. This reaction was uncharacteristic for the usually composed five-time World Champion.
For Gukesh, the victory is a significant milestone. It not only marks his maiden classical win against Carlsen but also serves as sweet revenge, as he had lost to the Norwegian in the opening round of the tournament. The win has injected considerable excitement into the Norway Chess standings, with Gukesh now just one point behind Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana.
Chess commentators and fans alike have reacted with surprise and awe. Legendary Grandmaster Susan Polgar described it as “the biggest shock of the year,” noting Carlsen’s rarity in making big blunders and losing classical games, especially from a winning position. Gukesh, for his part, remained modest, acknowledging Carlsen’s heartbreak and stating that he understood the frustration, having experienced similar moments in his own career.
This historic win for Gukesh further solidifies his standing as a formidable force in world chess and suggests a burgeoning rivalry that promises to captivate the chess world for years to come.
