Amrito 
In a thrilling Round 6 match of the ongoing 2025 Norway Chess Tournament, Gukesh defeated Magnus Carlsen in classical chess for the first time, shocking the global chess community. After a tense four-hour battle, a critical blunder by Carlsen gave Gukesh the upper hand. The win is especially historic as Gukesh is the reigning World Chess Champion, while Carlsen is a five-time World Champion and the current World No. 1.
The dramatic match ended not just with a win but with a moment that went viral—Magnus Carlsen smashed the table in frustration, leaving both Gukesh and the audience stunned. However, Carlsen’s sportsmanship quickly shone through as he later praised Gukesh for his excellent gameplay.
Table of Contents
Gukesh Defeated Magnus Carlsen in Classical Chess
A Milestone Victory
When 19 Years old Gukesh defeated Magnus Carlsen in classical format, it wasn’t just another point—it was a breakthrough. Carlsen has long dominated classical chess, and Gukesh’s win breaks a personal curse. Until now, the young Indian prodigy had never beaten Magnus in this format. In fact, Carlsen had defeated Gukesh in Round 1 of the same tournament and mockingly posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“You come at the king, you better not miss.”
That post aged quickly. The defeat in Round 6 turned the tables and the internet narrative around. Gukesh’s triumph not only silenced trolls but also marked a huge comeback story within the tournament.
The Smash Heard Around the World
What happened after Gukesh’s win shocked everyone. Magnus Carlsen, usually composed, slammed his hand on the table, visibly upset with his blunder. The dramatic moment instantly became a talking point, not just within the chess community but across global sports media but he praised him as well by a pat on the back .
Norway Chess 2025: The Road So Far
As of Round 7:
- Gukesh is in 2nd place after defeating fellow Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi.
- Fabiano Caruana is leading the standings.
- With 10 total rounds, Gukesh is a strong contender for the title.
If Gukesh wins Norway Chess 2025, it will be a monumental achievement, especially after his recent World Championship win. This tournament could cement his status as not just the world champion but also the most consistent classical player of the year.
Gukesh’s Rise: From Internet Trolls to Title Threat
Trolled and Tested
When Gukesh lost to Carlsen in Round 1, social media was harsh. Many critics claimed he wasn’t ready for the classical format. But by Round 6, Gukesh had rewritten the narrative. His gameplay was strategic, patient, and precise.
Chess and Entertainment: Samay Raina’s Prediction
Popular Indian chess streamer and comedian Samay Raina had recently joked on his podcast:
“Imagine Magnus Carlsen wins and the opponent takes the board and (smash)… we need some WWE drama in chess.”
Ironically, something quite similar happened, but the other way around. Magnus lost and smashed the table. The prediction, though made in jest, resonated deeply with fans who crave not just intellectual gameplay but entertainment value.
Magnus Carlsen Hints at Classical Chess Retirement
In a surprising development, Magnus Carlsen suggested that this could be his final classical tournament.
“I’m not going to say I’ll never play classical again,” Carlsen stated. “But I don’t enjoy it that much anymore.”
His disengaged play against Hikaru Nakamura, which went straight to Armageddon, echoed his waning interest.
Gukesh responded to the news with respect and a touch of admiration.
“Any format, any time control—playing Magnus is always special.”
As Norway Chess 2025 enters its final rounds, Gukesh continues to chase history while honoring the legends before him.
FAQ
Can Gukesh Win Norway Chess 2025?
With 3 rounds remaining, Gukesh is in strong contention. If he maintains his form, defeating Fabiano Caruana is within reach. A tournament win here would.
When did Gukesh defeat Magnus Carlsen in classical chess?
Gukesh defeated Magnus Carlsen in Round 6 of the 2025 Norway Chess tournament. This was his first victory against Carlsen in classical format.
What is the current standing of Gukesh in the Norway Chess 2025 tournament?
As of Round 7, Gukesh is in second place, right behind Fabiano Caruana. With three rounds left, Gukesh has a strong chance of winning the tournament.
Did Gukesh lose to Magnus Carlsen earlier in the tournament?
Yes, Gukesh lost to Magnus Carlsen in Round 1. After that game, Carlsen mocked him on social media, but Gukesh got his revenge in Round 6 with a solid win.
What did Magnus Carlsen say about his future in classical chess?
Magnus hinted that this might be his last classical tournament. He said he’s not officially retiring from classical chess but doesn’t enjoy it as much anymore, indicating he will make decisions about future events soon.
What was Gukesh’s response to Magnus possibly leaving classical chess?
Gukesh showed respect, stating, “Any format, any time control—playing Magnus is always special.”
Amrita Sarkar (pronounced Aam-ri-to), is a content creator, B.Com graduate, CA aspirant, and PGDM student who has discovered a fresh passion for digital writing. With a sharp eye for trends and a deep curiosity for how the internet shapes our lives, Amrito writes insightful pieces on digital media, internet culture, and personal observations. This blog is his creative outlet—where analysis meets storytelling.
