Chess
Magnus Carlsen Slams Table in Frustration After Shocking Loss to D Gukesh at Norway Chess
The Norwegian Grandmaster’s rare emotional outburst follows a dramatic blunder, as 19-year-old World Champion D Gukesh secures his first classical victory over Carlsen.
In a stunning turn of events at the Norway Chess 2025 tournament, World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen experienced a rare and emotional defeat at the hands of reigning World Champion D Gukesh. The 19-year-old Indian prodigy clinched his first-ever classical win against Carlsen, capitalizing on a critical endgame blunder by the Norwegian Grandmaster.
Carlsen, who had dominated the game for the most part, faltered under time pressure, making a decisive error that allowed Gukesh to seize the initiative and ultimately the match. The unexpected loss prompted an uncharacteristic reaction from Carlsen, who slammed his fist on the table, sending chess pieces scattering, before hastily exiting the venue without addressing the media.
Gukesh, maintaining composure amidst the high-stakes environment, expressed humility in his post-match comments. “I think 99 out of 100 times I would have lost this game,” he remarked, acknowledging the fortuitous nature of Carlsen’s blunder. “He got into time trouble, and that gave me a chance. I just tried to make the position difficult.”
The chess community reacted swiftly to the dramatic encounter. Renowned chess commentator Susan Polgar described the match as “the biggest shock of the year,” noting that Carlsen’s loss was one of the most painful in his illustrious career. “Carlsen rarely loses in classical chess, and he rarely commits big blunders,” she stated. “He was playing so well with the black pieces… but Gukesh did not give up.”
Social media platforms buzzed with discussions about Carlsen’s reaction, with many fans expressing disappointment over his display of frustration. Some labeled his behavior as unsportsmanlike, while others empathized with the emotional toll of such a high-stakes loss.
Despite the controversy, Gukesh’s victory marks a significant milestone in his burgeoning career, reinforcing his status as a formidable force in the world of chess. The win also intensifies the competition at Norway Chess 2025, with Gukesh closing the gap on the tournament leaders as the event progresses into its final rounds.