Gukesh Dommaraju’s Rocky Reign: Norway Chess Victory Over Carlsen a Highlight in Mixed Year
India’s teenage chess sensation and reigning World Champion, Gukesh Dommaraju, has had a turbulent few months since lifting the crown in December 2024. From near-triumph in Wijk aan Zee to disappointing results in Freestyle Chess formats, the 18-year-old has weathered both praise and criticism. But at Norway Chess 2025, Gukesh’s bounce-back performance — highlighted by a landmark win over World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen — has reignited excitement around his evolving reign.
From Hero to Humbled: Post-Title Struggles
After defeating Ding Liren to become the youngest World Champion in history, expectations surrounding Gukesh skyrocketed. He entered Tata Steel Chess 2025 in Wijk aan Zee as the newly crowned champion, nearly winning the prestigious event before losing in a dramatic tiebreak to R. Praggnanandhaa.
But the real challenge came in the months that followed. Gukesh struggled in the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour, a novel format that emphasizes creativity and adaptation. At the Weissenhaus leg, he failed to register a single win — ending with 11 draws and six losses, a stark contrast to his title-winning form. His performance in the Paris leg was similarly underwhelming.
In Bucharest, at the Superbet Chess Classic Romania, the young champion eked out just one win, six draws, and two losses, placing him in a shared sixth spot.
Anand’s Honest Assessment
Former World Champion and Indian chess icon Viswanathan Anand, who has mentored Gukesh over the years, did not mince words when evaluating the youngster’s performances earlier in the year.
In a pre-Norway Chess 2025 interview, Anand rated Gukesh a “C minus” for his six-month track record.
“I think I would say only ‘D minus’, but Wijk aan Zee is pulling him to ‘D plus’ maybe or ‘C minus’,” Anand said. “The rest of the year has been much more discreet. He’s finding his way… Must work harder.”
Redemption in Stavanger: Gukesh’s Norway Chess Resurgence
The turning point came at Norway Chess 2025, one of the toughest invitation-only events on the calendar. Gukesh returned to classical format — and to form — with a bold and composed showing. He finished third overall, narrowly missing out on the title by just half a point to eventual winner Magnus Carlsen.
Most notably, Gukesh secured his first classical victory over Carlsen, a feat only a handful of players have managed in recent years. The game, which sparked a viral moment showing Carlsen slamming his fist in frustration, was a psychological and strategic triumph for Gukesh.
He also beat fellow Indian star Arjun Erigaisi, registering two crucial wins that helped him stay in title contention until the final round.
Anand Upgrades His Grade
After Norway, Anand revised his evaluation: “I’ll go up to B. He deserved a D, but he got a lot of answers correct somehow. Given that he survived and based on his points, I would give him a B.”
In a follow-up interview with Chess.com, Anand praised Gukesh’s tenacity but offered critical insight:
“Gukesh made a lot of questionable decisions — not under time pressure, but during the early phase of games. Quite some people criticized that, and I think it’s fair. But the same logic we use to excuse Magnus or Hikaru for escaping bad positions applies to Gukesh too. He was resourceful.”
“Don’t Depend on Defense”: Anand’s Advice
Anand warned against over-relying on defensive prowess, likening it to military preparedness:
“Most countries have armies not to use them all the time. Similarly, you don’t want to depend on defensive skills in every game. But yes, Gukesh was very resourceful.”
Anand further added that Gukesh still has to “catch up with more experienced players like Fabiano Caruana, Carlsen, and Hikaru Nakamura.”
Analysis: Why Gukesh’s Norway Chess Matters
Gukesh’s Norway performance is significant for several reasons:
- Confidence booster: After a series of poor showings, his wins at Norway show he still belongs among the elite.
- Mental resilience: His ability to rebound after media criticism and tough losses demonstrates grit beyond his years.
- Historic milestone: Defeating Carlsen in a classical format is a rare feat and signals a new era in chess rivalry.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the strong showing, the path ahead is far from smooth:
- Consistency remains a concern.
- Opening preparation in non-traditional formats needs improvement.
- Gukesh must strike a balance between aggressive play and strategic discipline, especially when competing against veterans.
What’s Next for Gukesh?
With the Chess Olympiad 2025 and the Candidates Tournament 2026 looming, Gukesh will aim to build momentum. His next scheduled appearance is at the Sinquefield Cup in St. Louis, where he’ll face several top-10 players again.
Final Thougts: Learning Curve of a Young Champion
Gukesh Dommaraju’s journey post-world title is emblematic of what it means to grow under pressure. He is not just India’s brightest chess hope but also a young champion learning the harsh lessons of elite-level competition.
With Anand’s mentorship, experience against top players, and a proven ability to bounce back, Gukesh’s long-term trajectory still points upward. As the chess world watches closely, one thing is clear: Gukesh may stumble, but he never stays down for long.
Final Thouths
Gukesh’s performance in Norway Chess 2025, including his historic win over Magnus Carlsen, marks a return to form. While chess legend Viswanathan Anand sees much room for growth, the teenager’s resilience and ability to rise after setbacks affirm that his reign as world champion is just beginning.