In a dramatic match at the 2025 Norway Chess tournament, 19-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju stunned the chess world by defeating Magnus Carlsen in a classical game. The victory marks a major milestone for the young Indian grandmaster, who is also the reigning world champion.
Carlsen started the game strong, appearing in control for much of the match. But in a surprising twist, he made a costly error during time trouble late in the game. Gukesh quickly seized the opportunity, turning the tables and claiming his first-ever classical win over the former world champion.
The defeat clearly frustrated Carlsen. After resigning, he briefly shook Gukesh’s hand before slamming his fist on the table—a rare emotional display from the typically composed grandmaster. He then exited the venue without speaking to reporters.
This result is more than just a single win—it’s symbolic. Gukesh becomes only the second Indian player to defeat Carlsen in a classical match, joining the ranks of fellow countryman Viswanathan Anand. It also brings Gukesh within striking distance of the tournament leaders.
Heading into the next rounds, Carlsen, Gukesh, and Fabiano Caruana are all in close competition at the top of the leaderboard. With several key matches still ahead, the tournament remains wide open.
Gukesh’s performance highlights a broader shift in the world of chess. Young players—particularly from India—are rising fast and proving they can compete with the best. His victory over Carlsen may signal the beginning of a new era in elite chess.
