Indian Chess Prodigy Clinches Rapid Title with Convincing Victory Over Carlsen
Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh delivered an impressive performance at the Grand Chess Tour Zagreb 2025, defeating none other than the legendary Magnus Carlsen in the rapid section. This victory not only earned him the prestigious rapid title, but also showcased his remarkable rise in the world of professional chess.
Gukesh’s Win Over Magnus Carlsen: A Statement Victory
The match between Gukesh and Carlsen was no ordinary game. While Carlsen, the former World Champion, is known for his dominance across all chess formats, it was D Gukesh’s calculated strategy and time management that led him to a well-deserved win.
This marked Carlsen’s second loss to Gukesh.
The match was not a fluke or a result of Carlsen’s errors; it was a competitive and tactical battle.
Gukesh’s win was clean, calculated, and confident.
“Playing Good Chess With Good Time Management” – Gukesh on His Strategy
Speaking after the match, Gukesh shared his thoughts on his gameplay and preparation for the remaining blitz rounds of the tournament:
“I think so far I have been playing good chess, so the strategy will be to play good chess with good time management, and I hope that everything will work out,” said Gukesh.
Hilarious Shoutout to Upset Cousin Wins Hearts Online
In one of the lighter moments of the post-match interview, Gukesh mentioned a family anecdote that quickly went viral. According to Gukesh, one of his cousins was “very upset” with him — but for a rather unusual reason.
“One of my cousins was confident I’d beat Magnus and asked for a shoutout. He said he’d be upset if I didn’t do it after winning,” Gukesh chuckled during the interview.
This candid and humorous moment has endeared Gukesh to fans around the world, showing a more personal and relatable side of the young grandmaster.
Garry Kasparov Praises Gukesh’s Performance
Legendary former World Champion Garry Kasparov did not hold back in praising Gukesh’s victory over Carlsen. He remarked:
“This is not just his second loss to Gukesh, it’s a convincing loss. It’s not a miracle or that Gukesh just kept benefitting from Magnus’ terrible mistakes. It was a game that was a big fight. And Magnus lost.”
Kasparov’s endorsement of Gukesh’s performance adds significant weight to the young Indian’s growing reputation.
Gukesh Responds Humbly to Kasparov’s Praise
While the high praise from one of chess’s greatest icons could have been overwhelming, Gukesh remained humble in his response:
“That’s very nice to hear but I prefer not to think in those terms. I still see myself as a player who is working hard to improve every day. Just taking one game at a time, one tournament at a time.”
Gukesh: India’s Rising Chess Star
At just 18 years old, Dommaraju Gukesh has already made headlines by becoming the youngest Indian to defeat Magnus Carlsen in classical chess. His latest win at the Grand Chess Tour 2025 further cements his status as a rising force in global chess.
Key Highlights of Gukesh’s Career:
Youngest Indian to become a Grandmaster in 2019.
Winner of multiple national and international tournaments.
Known for his calm demeanor and aggressive playstyle.
Member of India’s Olympiad team and a strong contender in upcoming World Championship cycles.
Social Media Reacts to Gukesh’s Cousin Shoutout
The internet was quick to latch onto the “shoutout to cousin” moment. Fans flooded social media platforms with memes, tweets, and reactions celebrating the wholesome humor and humility of the grandmaster.
Fan Comments Included:
“This is why we love Gukesh – brilliant on the board and adorable off it.”
“Someone please find this cousin and give him a trophy too!”
“Gukesh may have defeated Carlsen, but it’s his cousin who won the internet.”
What’s Next for Gukesh in the Grand Chess Tour?
With the rapid section wrapped up, Gukesh is now focusing on the blitz segment of the tournament. He remains cautious but confident, aiming to build on his momentum:
“I just want to continue with the same mindset — one game at a time,” Gukesh added.
The Bigger Picture: Indian Chess on the Rise
Gukesh’s triumph is part of a larger narrative — the meteoric rise of Indian chess on the global stage. With young talents like R Praggnanandhaa, Nihal Sarin, and Arjun Erigaisi making waves internationally, India is fast becoming a chess powerhouse.
Factors Driving India’s Chess Boom:
Strong online chess culture and academy support.
Success of icons like Viswanathan Anand and the new generation.
Government and corporate sponsorship for budding talents.
Exposure through global platforms and chess streaming.
Final Thoughts: A Win Beyond the Board
D Gukesh’s victory over Magnus Carlsen is not just a result — it’s a symbol of the changing guard in world chess. His composed gameplay, humility in response to legendary praise, and sense of humor in interviews have made him a beloved figure in the chess community.
From serious strategy to a light-hearted cousin shoutout, Gukesh is proving that even in the world of 64 squares, chess can have character, charm, and comedy
