Magnus Carlsen, the undisputed king of rapid and blitz, will share the spotlight with India’s young champion Gukesh during a pre-event press conference, and his words added instant drama to this high-stakes showdown. The stage is set in Doha, Qatar, for the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships from December 26 to 30, 2025, with over a million euros in prizes and 254 top players in the open section.
Magnus Carlsen Sees Gukesh D As A “Youngster”
Carlsen did not hold back. When asked if he still sees the 19-year-old Gukesh as a “youngster,” the Norwegian legend replied firmly: “I think I was a top-50 player at the very least in the world when he was born, so in my book, definitely yes.”
This cheeky reminder of their 17-year age gap underscores Carlsen’s experience edge; he holds five Classical World titles, five Rapid crowns, and eight Blitz victories, including his latest Blitz win in New York 2024. Gukesh, fresh off beating Carlsen at Norway Chess earlier this year, remains a rising force, but Carlsen views him through the lens of rapid evolution in chess.
Magnus Carlsen On Upcoming Generations In Chess
The five-time Classical champion also highlighted the thrill of facing the new generation. “Playing against established top players is a known entity, but with youngsters, you don’t quite know how good they’re going to be because they’re continuously developing,” Carlsen explained.
He pointed out that even players under 16 are surging ahead, and every Rapid-Blitz event brings surprises. Fatherhood hasn’t softened his edge either. “I love being a husband and father, it’s fantastic, but neither my son nor wife gives chess advice yet. I’m here to win, as always,” he added, brushing off any distractions.
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Gukesh, ever composed, acknowledged the pressure from junior players but stayed focused. This rivalry spices up the tournament, where Carlsen enters as the favorite despite past dress-code drama in New York that cost him a Rapid shot. He even critiqued AI’s role, calling it a double-edged sword that aids learning but makes chess “more boring” by over-simplifying prep.
As the action unfolds in Doha, all eyes are on whether Gukesh can challenge Carlsen’s rapid dominance or if the “youngster” tag sticks. With verbal jabs flying and boards ready, this could be pure chess cinema. Stay tuned, Doha promises fireworks.
Also read: Gukesh D On World Rapid & Blitz, “Don’t Have Lots Of Expectations..”
