Gukesh D. Outplays Carlsen to Lead Superbet Chess Tour 2025
Zagreb, July 4, 2025: Indian chess sensation Dommaraju Gukesh delivered a stunning performance at the Superbet Rapid & Blitz 2025 in Zagreb by defeating former World Champion Magnus Carlsen. The 18-year-old prodigy now sits comfortably at the top of the leaderboard, asserting himself as a dominant force in international chess.
With a brilliant counterplay strategy, Gukesh overcame Carlsen in a gripping 49-move encounter, marking his fifth straight win in the tournament. The victory positions him at 10 points — two clear of his nearest rival, Jan-Krzysztof Duda.
The Match That Shocked the Chess World
Gukesh’s encounter with Carlsen was more than just a win; it was a statement. Carlsen, renowned for dismantling even the most seasoned opponents, found himself struggling against the youngster’s deep calculations and fearless style. Carlsen did gain an early positional advantage with an aggressive pawn push, but Gukesh slowly chipped away, building counter-pressure and flipping the board in his favor.
Using impeccable tactical awareness and time management, Gukesh forced Carlsen into passive defensive positions, eventually converting with precision. It was a reminder that the gap between the veterans and the new generation is shrinking fast.
Carlsen’s Honest Admission
In the post-match interview, Carlsen didn’t mince words. “I have played kind of poorly the whole tournament,” he admitted. “And this time I got soundly punished. All credit to Gukesh. He’s playing well and is taking his chances.”
This marks a rare instance where Carlsen, who has long been the benchmark of elite performance, has publicly acknowledged a clear outplay from a rising star. It’s a testament to Gukesh’s evolving prowess and confidence at the board.
India’s Chess Revolution: Gukesh Leads the Pack
India has been producing chess prodigies at an unprecedented rate, but Gukesh’s rise is particularly remarkable. In 2022, he became the youngest player ever to defeat a reigning World Champion. Since then, he has continued his ascent, sharpening his skills and gaining invaluable international experience.
Gukesh’s success in Zagreb is not an isolated performance. Earlier in the day, he also triumphed over Fabiano Caruana and Nodirbek Abdusattorov — two of the most feared names in the circuit. His total of five wins in a row is the best streak of the tournament so far.
The Road to the Title
The Superbet Rapid & Blitz tournament is one of the most prestigious stops on the Grand Chess Tour. Comprising nine rounds of rapid games followed by 18 rounds of blitz, the event tests every skill — speed, calculation, intuition, and endurance.
With three rapid rounds remaining, Gukesh has 10 points, leading Duda (8 points), Wesley So (7), Carlsen (6), and Anish Giri (6). His margin gives him breathing space, but the format’s volatility means every round could change the narrative.
What makes this lead more special is the caliber of opponents he’s defeated. Gukesh hasn’t had an easy pairing yet — and he’s emerging stronger each round.
What Makes Gukesh Special?
Analysts and former champions have praised Gukesh’s calm demeanor, relentless calculation, and a growing maturity in strategic choices. Unlike many aggressive youngsters, Gukesh knows when to slow the pace, exchange down, and grind in equal positions.
His recent coaching under GM Vishnu Prasanna and guidance from the All India Chess Federation has contributed to his growth. Moreover, his performance is inspiring a new generation of Indian players who now see a realistic path to the global elite.
Carlsen: Still a Legend, But Vulnerable?
Magnus Carlsen’s name has been synonymous with chess dominance for over a decade. However, in the past two years, he has stepped down from classical title contention and focused on rapid/blitz events, branding them more enjoyable.
While still the highest-rated player in blitz and rapid, performances like these remind the world that even Carlsen is human. Whether it’s mental fatigue, the weight of expectations, or rising competition, Carlsen’s edge seems to be narrowing.
His legacy is safe, but the torch is clearly being challenged by names like Gukesh, Firouzja, Abdusattorov, and Erigaisi.
Quotes from the Chess World
After the game, GM Peter Svidler commented on the live stream: “That was surgical. Gukesh didn’t overcomplicate anything. That’s the hallmark of a player in form.”
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich tweeted: “India’s golden generation is no longer coming — it’s here. Hats off to Gukesh.”
The Final Sprint
With the blitz rounds coming up next, all eyes will remain on Gukesh. The format demands razor-sharp instinct and resilience, and though he’s a fast player, the pressure of maintaining a lead in blitz will be a new challenge.
His immediate rivals — Duda, So, and Carlsen — are extremely dangerous in blitz formats. But with the momentum and confidence from the rapid rounds, Gukesh might just power through.
India’s Future Looks Bright
With Gukesh leading the charge, Indian chess is undergoing a renaissance. The recent performances of Arjun Erigaisi, Nihal Sarin, and R Praggnanandhaa have proven that India is no longer just producing talent — it is now building champions.
The Chess Olympiad, which will be hosted in India again in 2026, might see India field a team of teenagers who could beat any nation in the world.
As chess becomes more mainstream in India, thanks to online platforms and government support, the rise of Gukesh is more than an individual achievement — it’s symbolic of a nation’s arrival in a space long dominated by Europe and Russia.