It was the rematch the chess world had been waiting for. Just a week after Magnus Carlsen, the Norwegian maestro and five-time world champion, defeated D Gukesh in the opening round of Norway Chess and cryptically tweeted, “You come at the king, you best not miss,” the Indian teenager returned—undaunted and determined.

And in the early hours of Monday in Stavanger, he didn’t miss.

After a gripping 62-move encounter, 19-year-old Gukesh etched his name into history with his first classical win over Carlsen, sending a strong message not just to his opponent—but to the world.

Carlsen’s Collapse, Gukesh’s Grit

As the game reached its tense finale, Carlsen—who had looked set to win—cracked under pressure, slamming his fist on the board in frustration after a shocking blunder. Pieces flew, tension soared, but one remained standing: Gukesh’s king.

While the Norwegian offered an apology for his outburst, he also acknowledged the brilliance of the moment with a pat on the Indian champion’s back—a gesture of respect from one titan to another.

A Win Beyond the Scoreboard

For Gukesh, this was more than just a victory. It was vindication.

Since becoming the youngest world chess champion in history earlier this year, he’s faced criticism that he won only because Carlsen didn’t compete. But with this win, he’s silenced doubters.

“I was about to resign at one point,” Gukesh later admitted, “but I kept going, trying to make things tricky. Time scrambles can go out of control—and they did.”

His coach, Grzegorz Gajewski, praised his “stubbornness and resourcefulness,” highlighting how Gukesh never gave up even when the position was lost.

India, the birthplace of chess, is reclaiming its legacy through players like Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa, who also beat Carlsen last year. Gukesh’s latest feat is more than a personal milestone—it’s a national moment of pride.

From humble beginnings to global recognition, young Indian minds are dominating a game.

Next Target: Arjun Erigaisi

With Carlsen conquered, Team Gukesh is already setting its sights on another formidable rival: fellow Indian GM Arjun Erigaisi.

“Hopefully, we can break another unbreakable,” said Gajewski.

From shaking hands to shaking up the leaderboard, Gukesh’s performance reflects the resilience, brilliance, and quiet power of India’s new generation. The boy from Chennai didn’t just win a game—he announced India’s place at the summit of world chess.

And as the tricolour flutters in spirit across Stavanger, one thing is clear: the king may have been Carlsen—but the crown is India’s