World Champion Dommaraju Gukesh secured a statement victory in the sixth round of Norway Chess 2025, defeating former world champion Magnus Carlsen in classical time control for the first time in his career. The Indian teenager, playing with the white pieces, held firm under pressure and capitalised on a rare blunder by the 34-year-old Norwegian Grandmaster in the endgame, converting it into a memorable win.

Carlsen, playing in front of a home crowd in Stavanger, appeared to have the upper hand for much of the game, pressing from a superior position. But Gukesh defended with discipline and composure before turning the game on its head with a precise counterattack as Carlsen faltered under the tournament’s increment time control-designed to resemble rapid play.

Gukesh, meanwhile, was visibly elated. In the lobby of the playing arena, he greeted his long-time coach Grzegorz Gajewski with the hardest fist bump the Pole had ever received from the Indian teenager.

For the second time in as many years at Norway Chess, an Indian teenager has defeated Carlsen in the classical format. Last year, it was R Praggnanandhaa; this year, the reigning world champion has now joined him. Carlsen had seemed in control for much of the game, but like the unpredictable Stavanger weather, everything changed in a blink.

Carlsen appeared visibly devastated by the defeat, as the World No. 1 had often been critical of Gukesh’s classical game and his ability to maintain composure under increment time controls. After slamming the board in frustration, Carlsen was seen hastily leaving the competition venue and rushing into his car.

It was a stinging defeat for Carlsen, coming just days after he had outplayed Gukesh with the white pieces in Round 1 of the prestigious tournament.

Following that earlier win, Carlsen had shared a cryptic message on social media: “You come at the king, you best not miss.” Fans were quick to interpret the post as Carlsen referring to himself as the ‘King’ of classical chess.

Carlsen had opted not to defend his World Championship crown after claiming his fifth title in 2025. He stepped back from classical chess for a period, and his clash against Gukesh at Norway Chess marked his first classical appearance since the Indian prodigy became the youngest world champion in history last year.

Elsewhere, it was a day to remember for Indian chess as Arjun Erigaisi defeated Chinese Grandmaster Wei Yi, capping off a strong round for the Indian contingent.

Prior to Round 6, Carlsen led the standings with 9.5 points, followed by Fabiano Caruana (8) and Hikaru Nakamura (6.5). Gukesh’s breakthrough win has shaken up the title race as the tournament heads into its decisive final rounds.