Magnus Carlsen's broken confidence summed up in his own words after shock defeat to D Gukesh

Even though he was worse, Gukesh continued to find only MD. Gukesh scripted an epic comeback win vs Magnus Carlsen on Sunday, in their Round 6 Norway Chess 2025 encounter. The 18-year-old staged a comeback from a losing position to defeat the World No. 1. The match lasted 62 moves and over four hours.

Carlsen’s reaction summed up the moment as he lost, slamming his hand on the table in rage. After that, he also shook hands with Gukesh, who stood up, and looked dazed. Meanwhile, Carlsen even patted his back on his way out.

Carlsen spoke on his defeat to Gukesh and felt that he didn’t find classical chess fun anymore. In his words, the Norwegian also looked like he was finally doubting himself for the first time.

“I generally feel good in this tournament, I just don’t think it’s fun to play anymore, and that’s the problem. I’m sitting there in the middle of the game, thinking that I have the same position as I had so many times. It’s just moving slowly,” he said. 

“I don’t find it exciting, and I know I can play well. It is satisfying to play well, but then I collapsed towards the end, and showed great weaknesses; Gukesh fights well,” he added.

It was also Gukesh’s maiden classical win vs Carlsen, as the match finished in 62 moves and over four hours.

 

PM Narendra Modi Lauds Gukesh's 'Brilliance, Dedication' After Win Over Carlsen

An exceptional achievement by Gukesh! Congratulations to him for triumphing over the very best. His first-ever win against Magnus Carlsen in Round 6 of Norway Chess 2025 showcases his brilliance and dedication. Wishing him continued success in the journey ahead. 

https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1929538936998691151

 

Meanwhile, Gukesh was humble as ever after the win. Speaking to Chess24, he said, “I was just trying to play moves that were tricky for him, and luckily he got into a time scramble. One thing I learnt from this tournament is that time scrambles can get too much out of control.”

“99 out of 100 times, I would lose. Just a lucky day,” he added.

For Gukesh, the win had a special meaning, as he also defeated the World No. 1, who had quit the official FIDE cycle and would not be participating in the World Chess Championships.

Gukesh, who said he was still shaking after the game, first said: "I don't know what happened." Carlsen, who outplayed his opponent and made no mistakes for nearly the entire game, lost control in the time scramble.

Overs to keep the game going. He even said, "99 out of 100 times I would lose," but it was "just a lucky day." Carlsen, who already wasn't winning anymore, dropped his knight, and Gukesh, still, with accurate play needed, went on to win. The moment of the blunder was electric. Source: chess.com