Magnus Carlsen of Norway continues to showcase his dominance in the world of chess, triumphing at the Grand Chess Tour 2025 Rapid & Blitz held in Zagreb. Carlsen, who is ranked number one globally, secured his victory after defeating local hero Ivan Saric in the blitz final, amassing a total of 22.5 points and marking his sixth consecutive win in this prestigious event.
Carlsen’s performance was exceptional, particularly in the blitz segment where he scored an impressive 12.5 points from 18 rounds, complementing his earlier 10 points in the rapid rounds. This consistent performance ultimately placed him 2.5 points ahead of his closest competitor, Wesley So from the United States.
On the other hand, India’s D. Gukesh, who is the reigning world champion, faced challenges in the blitz rounds despite performing well in the rapid section where he initially led. Gukesh finished the blitz portion with only 5.5 points after 18 rounds, culminating in a total score of 19.5 points after drawing against compatriot R. Praggnanandhaa in his final game. This placed him third overall in the tournament.
The results of the Grand Chess Tour Rapid & Blitz 2025 in Zagreb are as follows:
1. Magnus Carlsen (Norway) – 22.5 points
2. Wesley So (USA) – 20 points
3. D. Gukesh (India) – 19.5 points
This tournament highlights not only Carlsen’s continued brilliance in chess but also the rising talents from India, particularly Gukesh, who, despite the setback in blitz, showcased resilience and skill. The future looks promising for Indian chess as these players compete at the highest levels.