Other sports have their drama, but chess? Chess has Magnus Carlsen. It feels like every chess fan’s morning is flooded with no good morning wishes, but Carlsen, taking a dig at the reigning world champion, Gukesh D. The Norwegian superstar is once again in headlines, not for a stunning victory or a wild blunder, but for criticizing Gukesh once again. This rivalry has been going on ever since Gukesh became the world champion in 2024 and hasn’t stopped since.
Moreover, to add to the drama, Carlsen lost a game against Gukesh at the Norway Chess 2025, and it looks like the heat just turned up more. But let’s rewind a little. Remember the viral moment at Norway Chess? Gukesh, the teenage Indian prodigy, who is breaking one record after another held by Magnus Carlsen, finally beat Carlsen in a classical game for the first time. This led to a visible outburst when Carlsen infamously smacked the table, and social media was flooded with memes and reels.
Magnus Carlsen Is Back With More Shade
But Carlsen wasn’t done. He’s back with another headline-worthy statement. When asked about their upcoming encounter at the Grand Chess Tour in Zagreb, Magnus Carlsen did not hold back.
He said, “I think Gukesh played quite well here last time, but it remains to be proven that he’s one of the best players in this format.”
“We have a very, very strong field…Gukesh hasn’t done anything to indicate that he’s going to do well in such a tournament. I hope, for his sake, that he can do better. But playing him in this tournament, I will approach it as if I’m playing one of the presumably weaker players (in the tournament),” he added
Now that’s not just a shade, it’s a full eclipse.
When asked to name the tournament’s top contender, Carlsen named Alireza Firouzja, a clear “second favorite.”
Garry Kasparov Gives “Advice” To Gukesh D
And if throwing shade at the reigning world champion wasn’t enough, former world champion Garry Kasparov offered him some “advice.”
He said, “The moment you stop improving, actually, the moment you stop thinking about improving – it’s over. I stayed on top for so long because I knew that the main opponent is your own excellence… The moment you rest, you know it won’t take long to decline.”
As for Gukesh? He is all comfortable in this new life. He shared, “Now I’ve kind of settled into the new life… I am back to focusing on working hard and being my best self in every tournament.”
The young champ is all set for the three games to come. The stage is set for the two rivals and one stage. Will Carlsen’s psychological warfare pay off, or will Gukesh silence the doubters once again? One thing’s for sure: chess fans are in for another wild ride.
Also Read: Another Indian Comes After Magnus Carlsen, And This Time It’s The 9-Year-Old, Aarit Kapil
