Gukesh Dommaraju vs Magnus Carlsen: World champ takes on world no.1 in Norway Chess opener
It's the game everyone has been waiting for. On Monday, newly crowned world champion D Gukesh will finally face Magnus Carlsen in classical chess for the first time since becoming the youngest champion in history. The match will take place in the opening round of the 2025 Norway Chess tournament in Stavanger, where Carlsen will play with the white pieces.
The hype around this clash isn't new. Ever since Gukesh beat Ding Liren to win the world title in December, fans have wondered how he would fare against Carlsen — the man many still see as the best player on the planet. They last met in a classical game at the 2023 FIDE World Cup, where Carlsen won. Since then, Carlsen has mostly stayed away from classical chess, making only a few exceptions, with Norway Chess being one of them.
Spotlight on the biggest showdown in Stavanger
The match carries an extra spark. Gukesh, just 18, is aiming to shake off a tough run of form after his world title win. He came close to winning the Tata Steel tournament in January but has since struggled, especially in freestyle and classical events. Still, he remains calm. 'It's not about proving anymore,' he said. 'Now, it's about improving.'
🔥 Round 1 Showdown: Carlsen vs Gukesh 🔥Norway Chess 2025 kicks off with a blockbuster clash as World No.1 Magnus Carlsen faces reigning World Champion Gukesh D in their first classical encounter since Gukesh brought the title back to India.Back in 2023, Gukesh marked his… pic.twitter.com/2iKYFgmSSx
Carlsen, meanwhile, admitted he doesn't know what to expect from himself either. 'It might take me a couple of games to find my rhythm,' he said. But he knows the buzz around this game is real. 'There's a little bit more in there for everybody.'
With Carlsen, Gukesh, Hikaru Nakamura, Arjun Erigaisi, Fabiano Caruana, and Wei Yi in the field, Norway Chess feels like a mini world championship. In the women's section, reigning champ Ju Wenjun headlines a strong line-up, including Koneru Humpy and Vaishali Rameshbabu.
But for now, all eyes are on Gukesh vs Carlsen. And Stavanger is ready.
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