Stavanger (Norway): In a thrilling conclusion to the Norway Chess 2025 tournament, World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen secured yet another title on home soil after a dramatic final round saw reigning World Champion D. Gukesh falter under pressure. The result marked Carlsen’s sixth triumph at his signature event in Stavanger, reaffirming his enduring legacy in the sport.
Carlsen, playing with the white pieces, was held to a draw by India’s Arjun Erigaisi in the final classical game. The half-point left Carlsen at 16 points, momentarily vulnerable to Gukesh, who had the chance to overtake him with a win in his final match against American Fabiano Caruana.
But the 18-year-old Indian prodigy, who has enjoyed a spectacular year, saw his championship hopes vanish in heartbreaking fashion. In a tense and balanced position, Gukesh made a fatal error while attempting a queen promotion—with only two seconds remaining on his clock. The blunder cost him the game and, with it, the tournament.
Caruana’s win not only ended Gukesh’s title run but also propelled the American to second place with 15.5 points, just half a point behind Carlsen. Gukesh, despite his earlier heroics—including a critical Round 9 win against China’s Wei Yi—had to settle for third place with 14.5 points.
Carlsen’s latest triumph adds to his ever-growing list of accolades and underscores his continued dominance in classical chess, even after stepping away from the World Championship cycle. Speaking after the win, the 33-year-old Norwegian expressed satisfaction at sealing the title at home once again.
Meanwhile, in the women’s section, Ukraine’s Anna Muzychuk emerged as champion after a composed draw against India’s R. Vaishali in the final round. The result kept her atop the standings and closed the door on Koneru Humpy’s chances. The Indian veteran, who needed a win against China’s Ju Wenjun to leapfrog Muzychuk, failed to convert a promising position, ending the game in a draw.
