Islamabad, June 7, 2025: Top-ranked chess champion Magnus Carlsen has secured his seventh Norway Chess 2025 title on Saturday after a gripping final round.
Carlsen’s final game of the tournament, played against Arjun, ended in a draw. The ultimate outcome of the championship then hinged on the clash between Gukesh and American GM Fabiano Caruana. Caruana’s triumph over Gukesh handed Carlsen the title.
Carlsen wrapped up the event with a total of 16 points. Caruana followed closely behind with 15.5, while Gukesh claimed third spot with 14.5 points. Arjun, who delivered a strong performance throughout, finished fifth with 13 points.
Reflecting on his win, Carlsen expressed, “I feel great. It is a relief to win the tournament. In the end, it was such a rollercoaster, but it is good.”
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Speaking about the Indian prodigies, Carlsen commended their skill but emphasized they still have room for growth. Recalling his surprising loss to Gukesh earlier in the tournament, he mentioned it as a moment that would “stand out” in his memory. His frustration following that defeat—where he was seen hitting the table and scattering chess pieces—gained attention online.
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“They are all very good (Gukesh and Arjun), but they still need a little bit of time to prepare. We also have a tournament running simultaneously in Armenia, where Pragg (R Praggnanandhaa) and Aravindh Chithambaram showed very good chess… It is not a positive memory, but the game that will stick out is the game against Gukesh,” Magnus Carlsen noted.
