In a landmark event for the chess community, Magnus Carlsen, the world’s top-ranked player, experienced a surprising loss to 19-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju during the Norway Chess 2025 tournament. This defeat marked Carlsen’s first in classical format, drawing attention not just for the outcome but also for Carlsen’s emotional reaction. After losing a knight, which shifted the game dramatically, Carlsen displayed frustration by slamming his fist on the table. He then offered a handshake in resignation, expressing his disbelief with an “Oh my god” and an apology.
Gukesh, recognized as one of the brightest young talents in chess, acknowledged his shock at the victory, admitting he felt the game was nearly hopeless at one point. He described his approach as trying to make tricky moves in the time scramble, noting, “99 out of 100 times I would lose.” Fellow players also expressed support for Gukesh, who humorously shared that he could relate to Carlsen’s frustration, having had similar moments in his own career.
Despite this loss, Carlsen retains his status as the top player according to FIDE ratings and is a five-time world champion. Although he didn’t defend his title in 2022, Gukesh made history in 2024 as the youngest world champion. Their rivalry is seen as a natural development in the chess world, with Carlsen respecting Gukesh’s work ethic while pointing out differences in their game strengths. The current chess landscape has been significantly shaped by online platforms and shorter game formats, further highlighting the implications of this recent face-off and amplifying the excitement in the chess community.
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