The scoreboard may have shown a win, but it was the emotions that truly told the story in Stavanger on Sunday. Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh defeated World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in Round 6 of the Norway Chess 2025 tournament in one of the most dramatic games of the event so far.
A rare outburst from Carlsen
Magnus Carlsen, who had dominated most of the match, looked completely shaken after the loss. In a moment of frustration, he punched the table, an unusual but telling reaction from the five-time world champion. Despite having a better position through much of the game, Carlsen made a crucial blunder during the endgame, allowing Gukesh to stage a remarkable comeback.
Gukesh holds his nerve
Gukesh, who played with the white pieces, defended patiently even when the odds were against him. As Carlsen began to struggle under the tournament's increment time control, Gukesh spotted his chance. With sharp calculations and cool composure, he turned the game around, eventually sealing his first-ever classical win over Carlsen.
After the win, a visibly thrilled Gukesh shared a strong fist bump with his coach Grzegorz Gajewski, a small but powerful celebration of a big moment.
History repeats for Indian chess
Interestingly, this is the second year in a row that an Indian teenager has defeated Carlsen in a classical game at Norway Chess. In 2024, it was R Praggnanandhaa; now, it’s Gukesh, who is the current world champion.
Gukesh had earlier lost to Carlsen in Round 1 of the same tournament, but this victory in Round 6 has certainly turned the tables.
Carlsen’s social media post and a painful fall
Only a few days ago, after beating Gukesh in the opening round, Carlsen had posted on Instagram, “You come at the king, you best not miss.” Many took it as a warning to the young champion. But Sunday’s events seemed to reverse that message entirely.
After the loss, Carlsen quickly left the venue, looking visibly upset. Chess legend Susan Polgar called it “one of the most painful losses” in Carlsen’s career, noting how rare it is for him to lose in classical chess, especially from a winning position.
A big day for Indian chess
While Gukesh grabbed the spotlight, fellow Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi also had a successful day, beating China’s Wei Yi. With Gukesh’s win, the tournament standings have become even more exciting as the final rounds approach.
Carlsen had led the table with 9.5 points before this round, followed by Fabiano Caruana and Hikaru Nakamura. But now, with Gukesh back in the mix, the title race is wide open.
Inputs from agencies
A rare outburst from Carlsen
Magnus Carlsen, who had dominated most of the match, looked completely shaken after the loss. In a moment of frustration, he punched the table, an unusual but telling reaction from the five-time world champion. Despite having a better position through much of the game, Carlsen made a crucial blunder during the endgame, allowing Gukesh to stage a remarkable comeback.
OH MY GOD 😳🤯😲 pic.twitter.com/QSbbrvQFkE
— Norway Chess (@NorwayChess) June 1, 2025
Gukesh holds his nerve
Gukesh, who played with the white pieces, defended patiently even when the odds were against him. As Carlsen began to struggle under the tournament's increment time control, Gukesh spotted his chance. With sharp calculations and cool composure, he turned the game around, eventually sealing his first-ever classical win over Carlsen.
After the win, a visibly thrilled Gukesh shared a strong fist bump with his coach Grzegorz Gajewski, a small but powerful celebration of a big moment.
History repeats for Indian chess
Interestingly, this is the second year in a row that an Indian teenager has defeated Carlsen in a classical game at Norway Chess. In 2024, it was R Praggnanandhaa; now, it’s Gukesh, who is the current world champion.
Gukesh had earlier lost to Carlsen in Round 1 of the same tournament, but this victory in Round 6 has certainly turned the tables.
Carlsen’s social media post and a painful fall
Only a few days ago, after beating Gukesh in the opening round, Carlsen had posted on Instagram, “You come at the king, you best not miss.” Many took it as a warning to the young champion. But Sunday’s events seemed to reverse that message entirely.
After the loss, Carlsen quickly left the venue, looking visibly upset. Chess legend Susan Polgar called it “one of the most painful losses” in Carlsen’s career, noting how rare it is for him to lose in classical chess, especially from a winning position.
Carlsen outplayed Gukesh, made massive blunder to lose a winning game!
— Susan Polgar (@SusanPolgar) June 1, 2025
This is the biggest shock of the year! Carlsen rarely loses in classical chess, and he rarely commits big blunders. He was playing so well with the black pieces in round 6 in Norway against Gukesh. He had a… pic.twitter.com/vwwPwEdMqZ
A big day for Indian chess
While Gukesh grabbed the spotlight, fellow Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi also had a successful day, beating China’s Wei Yi. With Gukesh’s win, the tournament standings have become even more exciting as the final rounds approach.
Carlsen had led the table with 9.5 points before this round, followed by Fabiano Caruana and Hikaru Nakamura. But now, with Gukesh back in the mix, the title race is wide open.
Inputs from agencies
You may also like
Australia planning to give a great send-off to Virat & Rohit in ODIs later this year: CA CEO
Arne Slot flies out to meet alternative Liverpool transfer target as Florian Wirtz move stalls
Mum in 'pain worse than childbirth' after botched Turkey teeth surgery
Mum of Liam Gallagher's lovechild makes eye-watering demand after Oasis reunion payday
Turkish firm Celebi's arbitration application rejected in India
