STAVANGER: Indian chess sensation and reigning World Champion Dommaraju Gukesh made headlines with a historic win over former world champion Magnus Carlsen in round six of Norway Chess 2025. The moment when Gukesh defeats Carlsen was met with applause and astonishment from the Stavanger crowd. The match, played in classical time control, marked the first time Gukesh has defeated Carlsen in this format — a significant milestone in his young but accomplished career.
Playing with the white pieces, the 18-year-old displayed nerves of steel against the Norwegian Grandmaster, who was widely considered the favourite, especially on home turf. Carlsen dominated the early and middle stages, creating pressure from a seemingly stronger position.
However, Gukesh’s steadfast defence paid off. As the endgame approached under increment time control — designed to mimic the pace of rapid chess — Carlsen uncharacteristically blundered. Gukesh capitalised immediately, launching a precise counterattack that reversed the game’s trajectory.
The victory was more than just a personal achievement. It highlighted Gukesh’s rapid ascent on the global stage and his ability to perform under pressure. His celebration was telling — he shared a jubilant fist bump with his coach Grzegorz Gajewski, who remarked it was the hardest one he had ever received from the young champion.
As Gukesh defeats Carlsen for the first time in classical play, it not only fuels his momentum in the tournament but also underlines a generational shift in the world of chess. The moment Gukesh defeats Carlsen stands as a defining chapter in chess history, signalling the rise of a new era led by the young Indian prodigy.
