Magnus Carlsen Slams Table After Shocking Loss to D Gukesh in Norway Chess 2025
In a dramatic turn of events at the Norway Chess 2025 tournament, reigning world champion D Gukesh defeated World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in Round 6, prompting an emotional outburst from the Norwegian Grandmaster who punched the table in frustration moments after the loss.
Carlsen, playing in front of his home crowd in Stavanger, appeared to be in control for much of the game with the black pieces. However, a critical blunder in the endgame allowed Gukesh to turn the tables and claim his first classical victory over the five-time world champion.
The animated reaction from Carlsen, 34, came after what he described as one of the “most painful losses” of his career. Witnesses saw him slam the table and leave the venue visibly upset, rushing into his car immediately after the game.
Gukesh, 18, was under pressure for most of the match but showed immense composure to capitalise on Carlsen’s late-game error under increment time control. With white pieces, the Indian teenager mounted a precise counterattack, converting a defensive position into a decisive win.
The result shocked the audience and drew gasps inside the Stavanger arena. Gukesh celebrated by exchanging a powerful fist bump with his long-time coach Grzegorz Gajewski in the lobby — visibly elated at achieving what many consider a landmark moment in his career.
“It was intense. I didn’t expect it to turn like this,” Gukesh said later in the players’ lounge.
Carlsen’s reaction quickly went viral, with the official Norway Chess handle sharing a brief clip of the moment with the caption: “OH MY GOD”. Social media lit up with commentary from chess fans and analysts across the globe.
Renowned chess Grandmaster Susan Polgar posted:
“Carlsen rarely loses in classical chess, and he rarely commits big blunders… This has to be one of the most painful losses in his spectacular career. I am sure he is very angry with himself.”
Following his earlier victory over Gukesh in Round 1, Carlsen had shared a cryptic message online: “You come at the king, you best not miss.” That post has since resurfaced among fans as the tables turned in dramatic fashion just days later.
The Norway Chess tournament is a six-player invitational round-robin event featuring elite Grandmasters. Prior to Round 6, Carlsen led with 9.5 points, trailed by Fabiano Caruana (8) and Hikaru Nakamura (6.5). Gukesh’s win not only narrows the gap but also reshapes the title race heading into the final rounds.
In another significant result for India, Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi defeated China’s Wei Yi in Round 6, marking a stellar day for the Indian contingent in Stavanger.
This is the second year in a row that an Indian teenager has stunned Carlsen in classical chess at Norway Chess. In 2024, it was R Praggnanandhaa who pulled off the upset. Gukesh, who became the youngest world champion in history last year, has now added another historic win to his growing list of achievements.
Carlsen had previously opted not to defend his world title, citing motivation issues, but returned to classical play for this event — his first appearance since Gukesh took the crown.
