Just a day after former world champion Magnus Carlsen remarked that playing against India’s teen chess sensation D Gukesh would be like “playing one of the weaker players,” the 18-year-old Grandmaster responded not with words, but with brilliance on the board. In a dramatic twist that could only happen in a game as unforgiving as chess, Gukesh defeated Carlsen for the fifth time in a row at the SuperUnited Croatia rapid and blitz tournament, a leg of the prestigious Grand Chess Tour.
Carlsen’s comment had raised many eyebrows. Known for his unshakable confidence, the Norwegian chess legend had stated, “If I’m playing one of the presumably weaker players, I’ll take more chances.” While it may have been said with a competitive edge, the remark did not age well. Gukesh’s cold, precise play turned the narrative around overnight, making headlines not only for the win but for the calm dignity with which he let his game speak.
The Clash of Titans
The June 3 face-off in Zagreb was their first meeting since the Norway Chess tournament last month, where Carlsen had also suffered a shocking defeat to Gukesh. Playing with the black pieces, Gukesh arrived early at the board and made quick, confident moves. Carlsen, known for his sharp focus and psychological edge, seemed off balance from the beginning.
The game followed the English Opening. Gukesh chose the sharp line with 1.c4 and eventually played 26...d5. Carlsen’s time troubles began soon after, with the clock ticking faster than his plans could form. He was forced to play under immense pressure, using just seconds for complex calculations. As the seconds drained, so did his position, and finally, Gukesh seized the win with razor-sharp precision.
This wasn’t just a one-game upset. Gukesh has now beaten Carlsen five times in a row, each time showing deeper maturity, confidence, and skill. At just 18, he’s not just a future contender. He’s already here, dismantling the very hierarchy that once looked unshakable.
A Star in Full Bloom
Earlier in the tournament, Gukesh had already turned heads by defeating top players like Jan-Krzysztof Duda and Pragg (R Praggnanandhaa) in back-to-back rounds. His performance placed him among the leaders, alongside Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana, and Wesley So.
This rise to the top wasn’t accidental. Gukesh has been consistently sharpening his game, even as the chess world watched and speculated. He has spoken about how settling into his new life as a top-tier professional has helped him focus. “I am back and settled into the new life. I am back to being my best self in every tournament,” he said recently.
His calm off the board contrasts with the boldness he shows during matches. Legendary Russian Grandmaster Garry Kasparov, who mentored Gukesh, gave him advice that seems to have found root: “The moment you stop thinking about why you lose so long, you’ll improve.” That mindset has clearly worked.
Carlsen Under Pressure
Carlsen, who reigned supreme as the world champion for over a decade, has been under increasing pressure from a new generation of young Grandmasters. His loss to Gukesh wasn’t just about one bad day. It symbolized a shift in power — from the old guard to the new wave.
“Gukesh has shown that he can handle pressure and win in faster formats as well. When my back is against the wall, I do everything I can. Gukesh may not yet have that, but he impresses,” Carlsen said, trying to soften the blow. However, his earlier remarks now seem dismissive in hindsight.
The Game Has Changed
Chess, once seen as a slow and exclusive sport, is being revolutionized by young minds like Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Alireza Firouzja. These players are bold, fast-thinking, and fearless. They are redefining how top-level chess is played — and won.
Gukesh’s win isn’t just a personal triumph. It marks a new chapter in Indian chess, where the student is no longer learning but challenging the teacher. It also sends a clear message to the world: underestimate the new generation at your own peril.
From being dismissed as "one of the weaker players" to becoming the man who regularly beats the best, Gukesh has turned the board around — quite literally. And this time, Carlsen had no comeback.
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