At this point, we all can agree that Magnus Carlsen vs Gukesh D is one of the biggest rivalries in the world of sports. Well, buckle up because the SuperUnited Croatia Rapid & Blitz 2025 is serving another clash between the world number 1, Magnus Carlsen, and the reigning world champion Gukesh D. We all got a lifelong meme through their last encounter at the Norway Chess 2025, and this time, the stakes (and tables) are even higher.
We’re already done with one round, and both Carlsen and Gukesh finished at the top of the leaderboard with 4/6 points, joined by Wesley So and Duda. Gukesh had a rocky start, dropping his first game to Duda, but bounced back in style against Carlsen’s “second favorite” for the title, Alireza Firouzja, and fellow Indian, R Praggnanandhaa.
Meanwhile, Magnus Carlsen also looked a bit “rusty” as he admitted on his own, but still managed to finish at the top with 4 points.
Carlsen vs Gukesh In The Final Round
But let’s be real, the real game will be Carlsen vs Gukesh in the final round of the SuperUnited Croatia Rapid & Blitz 2025. Even chess legend Garry Kasparov couldn’t help, as he shared on his social media, “We’ll buy extra-heavy tables!”
The countdown is on: Magnus Carlsen and Gukesh D will meet again at the Grand Chess Tour Rapid & Blitz in Croatia, July 2–6!
After Gukesh defeated Magnus in a dramatic game at #NorwayChess, all eyes will be on their next over-the-board clash.
Don’t miss what promises to be one of… pic.twitter.com/DjxG9LZPVH— Grand Chess Tour (@GrandChessTour) June 2, 2025
SuperUnited Croatia Rapid & Blitz 2025: Part Of A Larger Plan
This isn’t just another tournament. The SuperUnited Croatia Rapid & Blitz 2025 is the third stop on the 2025 Grand Chess Tour, and the field is stacked. Carlsen himself described the lineup as one where “there aren’t a lot of players you can feast on!” Every point is going to be hard-earned.
And if you think Carlsen is taking it easy, think again. He’s already thrown some shade at Gukesh, questioning the champ’s rapid and blitz credentials: “Gukesh hasn’t done anything to indicate that he’s going to do well in such a tournament, but I hope for his sake that he can play better. Playing him in this tournament, I will approach it as if I’m playing one of the presumably weaker players.” That’s classic Carlsen, never one to shy away from mind games.
So, mark your calendars: Thursday, July 3, at 6:30 p.m. IST, the chess world will be watching as these two titans clash once again at the SuperUnited Croatia Rapid & Blitz 2025. Will Gukesh defend his crown and silence the doubters, or will Carlsen add another rapid & blitz title to his already overflowing trophy cabinet? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: this Carlsen vs Gukesh is a must-watch, and you won’t want to miss a single move.
