Photo Credit: Financial Express
In a landmark moment for Indian chess, Dommaraju Gukesh has pulled off a sensational victory against reigning world champion Magnus Carlsen in the sixth round of the prestigious Norway Chess 2025 tournament. This marks Gukesh’s first-ever classical win over Carlsen, signaling the rise of a new chess powerhouse from India.
Dramatic Battle at Norway Chess 2025
The match, held in Stavanger, saw Carlsen playing with the black pieces and dominating for most of the game. By move 52, Carlsen appeared to be in full control, with a winning advantage. However, a critical error under time pressure — the move 52…Ne2+ — turned the tide dramatically in favor of Gukesh. Capitalizing swiftly on this mistake, Gukesh managed to convert a losing position into a victory, delivering checkmate on move 62.
This stunning turnaround not only shocked the chess community but also reshaped the tournament standings, with Gukesh now firmly in the hunt for the title.
Carlsen’s Emotional Reaction and Sportsmanship
Magnus Carlsen’s frustration was evident as he slammed his fist on the table and left the playing hall abruptly after the game. However, showing true sportsmanship, he later returned to apologize and congratulate Gukesh with a handshake, acknowledging the young Indian’s remarkable performance.
Gukesh’s Humble Take on a Momentous Win
Despite the magnitude of his achievement, Gukesh remained grounded, describing the win as a “lucky day” and humbly stating, “99 out of 100 times I would lose.” He credited his composure and ability to exploit Carlsen’s rare blunder for the victory.
Implications for the Norway Chess 2025 Title Race
With this victory, Gukesh has gained 8.5 points, trailing tournament leaders Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana by just one point as the competition intensifies. His win highlights the growing dominance of Indian chess talents on the global stage, following the footsteps of fellow prodigy Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, who had also defeated Carlsen at Norway Chess previously.
India’s Rising Chess Stars Take Center Stage
Gukesh’s success marks a new chapter in India’s chess legacy, showcasing the country’s rising prominence in the international chess arena. As Norway Chess 2025 continues, all eyes will be on Gukesh to see if he can sustain this momentum and possibly clinch the coveted title, while Carlsen seeks to bounce back from this unexpected defeat.
