In a stunning twist at the Norway Chess 2025 tournament, India’s D Gukesh, the reigning world champion, clinched a sensational first-ever classical win against world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen. The 19-year-old grandmaster turned a near-certain defeat into a remarkable triumph during a tense time scramble, leaving fans and players alike in disbelief.
Carlsen, playing on home soil, had dominated most of the match and looked set to claim another win over the young Indian, having already beaten him in the first round. But in the final phase of the game, with only seconds ticking on the clock, the Norwegian miscalculated with a fateful move (52…Ne2+??). Gukesh immediately seized the opportunity, launching a precise counterattack that reversed the position and ultimately forced Carlsen to resign.
The five-time world champion’s reaction was uncharacteristically emotional. As the result sank in, Carlsen struck the table with his fist, sending pieces scattering and startling the crowd. He quickly left the venue, skipping his media obligations. Gukesh, meanwhile, remained calm despite the magnitude of his achievement.
Speaking after the game, Gukesh called the victory a lucky escape. “I think 99 out of 100 times I would have lost this game,” he said. “He got into time trouble and that gave me a chance. I just tried to make the position difficult.”
Gukesh Also Defeated Fabiano Caruana
Just days earlier, Gukesh had also defeated world No. 3 Fabiano Caruana in another crucial round, signaling a strong return to form after a shaky start to the event. With this back-to-back success, the Indian teenager moved to 8.5 points, just behind Carlsen and Caruana, who are tied for the lead with four rounds remaining.
Carlsen’s frustration may have stemmed not only from the blunder but from the wider implications of the loss. The Norwegian, who stepped away from defending his world title in 2023 citing a lack of motivation, hadn’t played a classical game since Gukesh claimed the crown last year. Sunday’s defeat served as a powerful reminder that the balance of power in chess is shifting.
Gukesh’s coach, Polish grandmaster Grzegorz Gajewski, praised his pupil’s resilience. “Sure, there was luck involved. But credit must go to Guki he didn’t give up, he kept finding resources. That takes real character.”
This is not the first time an Indian teenager has stunned Carlsen at Norway Chess. In 2024, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa became the first Indian to defeat him in a classical play at this event. With Gukesh now following in his footsteps and doing so as the reigning world champion the significance is hard to overstate.
Gukesh Silnces Carlsen’s Taunt With Stunning Win
Carlsen had previously dismissed Gukesh’s classical capabilities, and after winning their opening round game, posted the quote “You come at the king, you best not miss” on social media. Sunday’s outcome gave Gukesh the perfect answer not in words, but on the board.
In the aftermath, legendary chess figure Susan Polgar took to social media to praise Gukesh’s grit. “He showed the true meaning of winning with grace,” she wrote. “He had the heart of a warrior, surviving both time pressure and a worse position.”
Despite the emotional whirlwind, Gukesh displayed humility throughout. “Beating Magnus in any form is special,” he admitted. “But right now, I’m just glad I didn’t lose.”
The clash was more than a game it was a symbolic moment marking the rise of a new generation. For Gukesh, the victory could be a turning point in his Norway Chess campaign and a powerful reminder that even legends can fall when time runs short.
