Following his stunning victory over former world number one Magnus Carlsen in the round six of Norway Chess, Indian chess prodigy and reigning world champion D Gukesh finally spoke out about the intense match and Carlsen’s emotional outburst that followed. The 19-year-old turned what looked like a certain loss into a historic win—his first-ever classical victory over the Norwegian grandmaster—shaking up the tournament standings and social media timelines alike.
In a candid post-match interview with Chess.com, Gukesh acknowledged the emotional intensity of the game and admitted he wasn’t entirely satisfied with the way the win unfolded.
“I mean, [it was] not the way I wanted it to be, but okay, I will take it,” he said, reflecting on the game’s chaotic finish.
This wasn’t just any victory—it was a hard-fought comeback that saw the young Indian champion seize the moment when Carlsen faltered under pressure. Gukesh’s resilient mindset, even from a losing position, showed why he’s currently the reigning world champion and a name the chess world can’t ignore.
Carlsen’s Frustration Spills Over
While Gukesh remained calm in his post-match remarks, his opponent’s reaction told a different story. Following his stunning victory over former world number one Magnus Carlsen in the round six of Norway Chess, cameras captured Carlsen visibly upset. In a now-viral clip shared on the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of Norway Chess, Carlsen banged the table in frustration, knocking several pieces to the floor.
Despite the emotional outburst, Carlsen didn’t forget the sportsmanship that defines the game. He shook Gukesh’s hand and even gave him a supportive pat on the back. It was a moment that reflected both the competitive fire of a legend and the emergence of a new force in the world of chess.
Gukesh, still processing his incredible turnaround, sympathized with Carlsen’s frustration.
“I have also banged a lot of tables in my career,” he said with a smile, downplaying the incident and showing maturity beyond his years.
A Win Against the Odds
The match began with Carlsen holding a clear advantage. The Norwegian was in control for most of the game and seemed poised to walk away with a comfortable win. But as time pressure mounted, small inaccuracies crept in. That was all Gukesh needed.
The teenager capitalized on Carlsen’s blunders, flipping the script in a nail-biting finale. Reflecting on the outcome, Gukesh admitted even he was surprised by the result:
“99 out of 100 times I would lose. But today was just a lucky day.”
With this victory, Gukesh became only the second Indian player to defeat Magnus Carlsen in Norway Chess history, following Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa’s iconic win.
Tournament Shakeup
Gukesh’s Round 6 victory has made a significant impact on the tournament standings. He now sits in third place in the Norway Chess 2025 points table with 8.5 points, trailing only Carlsen and American star Fabiano Caruana by a single point.
The win has reignited the competitive spirit of the tournament and added a layer of intrigue to the upcoming rounds. For fans and analysts alike, it’s clear that Gukesh is not just participating—he’s contending for the crown.
A Look Back: Carlsen’s Win in Round 1
The tables were turned earlier in the tournament. On May 27, during the marquee Round 1 clash, Carlsen had launched a ferocious king-side attack to defeat Gukesh. That game marked Carlsen’s return to individual classical chess after nearly a year, and many saw it as a statement of intent from the five-time world champion.
But Gukesh learned from that loss. Round 6 wasn’t just about revenge—it was a demonstration of growth, grit, and strategic brilliance.
Coach’s Praise for Gukesh
Grandmaster Vishnu Prasanna, Gukesh’s coach, couldn’t hide his admiration for the teen’s mental strength.
“We have to give a lot of credit to Gukesh for his stubbornness and his resourcefulness. He was aware that he was dead lost for so long, yet he kept fighting. The more the time went down, the better his chances became.”
Prasanna emphasized that while Gukesh may not have intended to win from that position, his refusal to give up is what created the opportunity. It’s the kind of mindset that champions are made of.
Why This Victory Matters
This win is more than just a point on the leaderboard. It’s symbolic. It proves that Gukesh isn’t just a rising star—he’s a full-blown chess powerhouse who can take down even the most seasoned legends on the biggest stage.
Following his stunning victory over former world number one Magnus Carlsen in the round six of Norway Chess, Gukesh has sent a clear message to the chess world: he’s here to compete at the highest level and win—no matter the odds.
This triumph also signals a shift in the power dynamics of elite chess. For years, Carlsen has been the undisputed titan of the classical format. But with young talents like Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa making headlines, the future looks fiercely competitive—and thrilling.
What’s Next for Gukesh?
With momentum on his side, Gukesh now eyes the top spot in the Norway Chess 2025 standings. Just a point behind Carlsen and Caruana, he’s in striking distance. If he continues to display the same resilience and tactical sharpness, the 19-year-old might just walk away with another major trophy under his belt.
The upcoming rounds will test not only his skill but also his endurance. The pressure is building, and all eyes are on the Indian prodigy to see if he can maintain his incredible form.
Final Thoughts
As a fan of the game, it’s inspiring to see how following his stunning victory over former world number one Magnus Carlsen in the round six of Norway Chess, Gukesh handled both the pressure of the match and the aftermath with grace, humility, and sportsmanship. His calm reaction to Carlsen’s frustration, paired with his honest reflection on the unexpected win, shows that he possesses the mental strength required at the top level of chess.
Gukesh is not just winning games; he’s winning hearts. And if Norway Chess 2025 has shown us anything, it’s that we’re witnessing the rise of a new generation that’s ready to take over the world stage.
Aamir Ahmad Fateh is a seasoned digital marketer and experienced news writer with over 7 years of expertise in covering political affairs, social issues, technology, sports, and Bollywood. He is the founder and chief editor of 24fnews.com, where he is dedicated to delivering accurate, unbiased, and timely news to a wide audience every day. His sharp insights and journalistic integrity make him a trusted voice in the digital news space.
