In a moment that sent shockwaves through the chess world, D Gukesh pulled off a historic victory over five-time World Champion Magnus Carlsen in Round 6 of the Norway Chess 2025 tournament.
The 18-year-old Indian grandmaster, known for his calm demeanor, stood still for a moment, hand on his chin, as the gravity of the moment sank in—he had just defeated the World No. 1 in a classical chess game for the very first time in his career.
The Turning Point: Gukesh’s First Classical Win Over Carlsen
Carlsen dominated much of the match, keeping Gukesh under pressure throughout a challenging endgame. Yet, in a stunning turnaround, the teenager showcased resilience, resourcefulness, and nerves of steel to capitalize on Carlsen’s late blunder.
Carlsen’s frustration boiled over, with a rare outburst that saw him bang the table—an image that quickly went viral, highlighting the sheer tension and drama of the game. Despite the setback, Carlsen showed sportsmanship, offering Gukesh a pat on the back after the final handshake.
What This Means for the Tournament
With this win, Gukesh jumped to third place in the Norway Chess 2025 points table, sitting on 8.5 points, just one behind Carlsen and American Fabiano Caruana.
This victory has tightened the race at the top as the tournament enters its crucial final rounds, and Gukesh’s performance is a reminder of his champion’s spirit—especially after losing to Carlsen in the first round of the event.
Coach’s Take: Gukesh’s Never-Say-Die Attitude
Gukesh’s coach, Grandmaster Vishnu Prasanna, hailed the youngster’s tenacity:
“We have to give a lot of credit to Gukesh for his stubbornness and resourcefulness. He knew he was lost, yet he kept fighting, and when the time pressure mounted, he seized his chance. I’m sure he’s thrilled with this win.”
A Defining Moment in Chess History
This win cements Gukesh’s status as one of the brightest young stars in world chess. He becomes only the second Indian player, after Praggnanandhaa, to defeat Carlsen in classical play—a monumental achievement for Indian chess.
For Gukesh, this is more than a win—it’s a statement. And for fans worldwide, it’s a match that will be remembered as one of the most dramatic moments of Norway Chess 2025.