New Delhi: The chess community is buzzing with excitement as Magnus Carlsen, the top-ranked player in the world, gets ready to take on 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju, who has made history as the youngest World Champion. This remarkable match is set for Norway Chess 2025, running from May 26 to June 6 in Stavanger. Gukesh recently grabbed headlines by defeating Ding Liren, reclaiming the World Championship title for India, a milestone not reached since Viswanathan Anand.
Gukesh’s rise to the top has been nothing less than impressive. In 2023 alone, he shone at the Tata Steel Masters, led India to a gold medal at the Chess Olympiad, and dominated the Candidates Tournament. His recent championship victory has firmly established him as a tough competitor, and he’s eager to test his mettle against the best in Norway.
Sharing his excitement, Gukesh said, “I’m thrilled to take on the strongest players in the world again in Norway, and the Armageddons will definitely add to the fun.” He stressed the importance of preparation, aiming to put his best foot forward in each match. After finishing third in Stavanger last year, Gukesh returns as the reigning champion, ready to take on Carlsen on his home turf.
Kjell Madland, the founder and tournament director of Norway Chess, highlighted the uniqueness of this clash. The entire chess world is eagerly anticipating this exciting face-off between the reigning World Champion and the world’s highest-rated player. Known for its double round-robin format, Norway Chess also introduced the Norway Chess Women in 2024, showcasing its commitment to innovation and promoting gender equality in the sport.
In conjunction with Norway Chess, the Norway Summit is scheduled for June 4, 2025, focusing on technology and innovation, which will further enrich the cultural and intellectual atmosphere of the event.
