Norwegian chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, the current top-ranked player in the world, faced a surprising defeat on Sunday against India’s Gukesh Dommaraju, the reigning world champion. This match took place during the sixth round of the annual Norway Chess tournament, a prestigious international chess event.
Following a decisive move from Dommaraju, the 19-year-old was met with Carlsen’s visible frustration, as the Norwegian grandmaster slammed his fist onto the table and rose from his seat before congratulating his opponent with a handshake. This moment was captured on video and quickly went viral on social media, sparking discussions about sportsmanship in competitive chess.
Despite the loss, Carlsen remains at the forefront of the tournament standings. Notably, Dommaraju, who was dubbed the “youngest world champion” last year at just 18 years old, expressed his disbelief over his victory, stating that he was still shaking after the game.
Carlsen, who has held the world No. 1 position for over a decade and has achieved remarkable milestones in chess history—including the highest-ever rating of 2882—continues to be a prominent figure in the chess community. Earlier this year, he famously let more than 143,000 players globally compete against him in an online match titled “Magnus Carlsen vs. The World,” marking a new era in interactive chess.
Dommaraju, currently ranked No. 5 in the world, made headlines when he won the World Championship by defeating China’s Ding Liren in a spectacular endgame, surpassing a long-standing record previously held by Garry Kasparov.
Chess rankings, governed by systems such as Elo and Glicko, reflect a player’s skill and competitiveness. The complex ranking mechanisms help analysts and fans alike appreciate the nuanced competition between these elite players.
This recent match serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of chess, where even the best can face challenges, making each game an opportunity for growth and learning.