D. Gukesh paused for a moment, hand on his chin, as he tried to grasp the reality of what had just unfolded. The 18-year-old Indian chess prodigy had achieved a major career milestone—beating five-time World Champion Magnus Carlsen in a classical format for the very first time. It was a win that few expected, especially after a tense endgame where Gukesh seemed headed for defeat.
Carlsen’s Frustration on Full Display
The dramatic scene took place during the Norway Chess 2025 tournament. After making a late error that cost him the game, Carlsen reacted with frustration. He struck the table, causing the chess pieces to scatter—a rare emotional display from the usually composed Norwegian. His reaction left fans and commentators stunned. The clip of his outburst quickly spread across social media platforms, capturing widespread attention.
A Shocking Finish with Sportsmanship Intact
Carlsen had earlier defeated Gukesh in the opening round and seemed poised to do it again, which would have strengthened his lead with another three points. But after his costly mistake, he extended his hand in resignation. Gukesh, still in disbelief, shook it, stood up slowly, and walked away looking dazed. Despite the high emotions, Carlsen patted Gukesh on the back—a gesture that showed respect and sportsmanship in the face of a dramatic loss.
WHAT JUST HAPPENED? 😱🫣 pic.twitter.com/RwBqhfU0gv
— Norway Chess (@NorwayChess) June 1, 2025
“Turnaround of the Year,” Say Experts
Chess fans and analysts have called it the “turnaround of the year.” Gukesh turned the tide in a game that lasted over four hours and ended in 62 intense moves. He capitalized on Carlsen’s late slip to seal a stunning win. The young grandmaster’s emotional reaction—marked by quiet disbelief and wide-eyed awe—struck a chord with fans across the globe. Many praised not just his performance but the deeply human response to a defining moment.
Climbing the Leaderboard After Rough Start
Gukesh’s victory was more than just a single-game win. It also marked a strong comeback in the tournament after a difficult beginning. He had lost to Carlsen in the first round, leading many to question his form. But this victory has pushed him to third place in the standings with 8.5 points—just one point behind leaders Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana.
A Moment That May Define the Tournament
As Norway Chess 2025 continues, Gukesh’s incredible win and his heartfelt reaction may go down as one of the event’s most iconic moments. It was a night that reminded fans of the unpredictability of chess and the raw emotions that can follow a game-changing victory.
