The chess world was abuzz following a dramatic encounter between Magnus Carlsen, the world’s top-ranked player, and Gukesh Dommaraju, the rising 19-year-old champion. Over the weekend at the Norway Chess 2025 tournament, Carlsen faced his first loss in classical format against Gukesh, a significant moment as it underscored the latter’s ascent in the chess hierarchy. The game’s climax saw Carlsen, frustrated after losing a knight, slam his fist on the table. Following this, he extended a handshake in resignation and expressed his disbelief: “Oh my god,” before apologizing.
This unexpected loss for Carlsen added dimension to Gukesh’s rising notoriety, showcasing both players’ prowess. Despite the setback, Carlsen remains the reigning top player, a five-time world champion, despite declining to defend his title in 2022, leading to Gukesh eventually becoming the youngest world champion in history in 2024. Gukesh reflected on his victory in an interview, stating that he felt fortunate, as he initially believed his position was hopeless: “99 out of 100 times I would lose,” he noted.
This match has drawn attention not only for the result but also for Carlsen’s relatable display of frustration, which resonated with chess enthusiasts. Gukesh commented on his own experiences, claiming he could relate to Carlsen’s reaction. With the chess community’s increasing interest in shorter time formats and online coverage, the incident has sparked numerous discussions and compilations, highlighting Carlsen’s ongoing influence in the chess arena, even amidst such unprecedented moments.
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