Norway Chess 2025 R6: Gukesh wins his first Classical game against Carlsen who gets livid after his loss
The World Champion, D Gukesh has done what he always believed that he could do. He defeated the World no.1, Magnus Carlsen (NOR) for the first time in a Classical rated game. It certainly meant a lot to both players. The World no.1 did not want to lose to the World Champion, especially in his home soil. Gukesh wanted to beat Carlsen not to prove it to the world as he has already mentioned that he does not have to prove anything to anyone. He has already done it last year. The win is for himself, to show that he is becoming stronger and coming for Carlsen's final throne - the top spot at the mountain. This win was necessary for Gukesh to remind himself that he can beat Carlsen. Arguably the greatest of all time is no longer invincible to the World Champion. Round 7 starts today from 5 p.m. local time, 8:30 p.m. IST. Apart from youtube, there is also a live broadcast on Sony Liv. Photo: Norway Chess / Michal Walusza
Arjun beats Wei in Armageddon again, Caruana joins Carlsen in the lead
To say the sixth round of 13th Norway Chess was an eventful day would be an understatement. It had everything one can expect from this unique event and a lot more. Not only Gukesh overcame a tough block but Fabiano Caruana also did something similar. He has not been able to beat his compatriot, Hikaru Nakamura in key matches for quite some time, be it in any format, Classical, Rapid or Blitz. However, he overcame that hurdle when he drew the Armageddon with black pieces to beat Nakamura and join Carlsen in the lead 9.5/18 each. Gukesh's crucial three-pointer propelled him to third spot 8.5/18. Arjun Erigaisi defeated Wei Yi in Armageddon again to move to 7.5/18, same as Nakamura.
Gukesh - Carlsen: 3-0
The World Champion, D Gukesh (2776) lost the first Classical battle against Magnus Carlsen (NOR, 2837). He had never beaten the World no.1 in a Classical rated game. That was about to change.
Carlsen's first mistake in the game would be to not finish the game immediately 30...hxg3 31.fxg3 Ne2 32.Rxd3 Nc1 33.Rf1 Nxa2 34.Rxf6 Nc3 and White does not have enough compensation for the lost exchange. The game continued 30...Kg7 31.Ra7 Rd4 32.Nf3 hxg3 33.fxg3 Nxh3 instead 33...Bxe4 34.gxf4 Rd1+ and White loses in all variations.
Carlsen blundered his knight 52...Ne2+?? 53.Rxe2+ Kxe2 54.Nxf8+- and it's over. The World no.1 played for a few more moves but eventually conceded defeat.
Magnus Carlsen banged the table very hard after his loss. His own king fell on the board along with couple of more pawns, yet Gukesh's king remained tall. It is quite symbolic. The universe works in mysterious ways. Carlsen had a strong and firm handshake with Gukesh. Before leaving, Carlsen patted Gukesh on the back as a show of appreciation. The player in Carlsen was upset with his loss but the human in him still showed appreciation of the World Champion. This was also Carlsen's first Classical loss of the event.
Arjun - Wei: 1.5-1
Arjun Erigaisi (2782) repeated his same result against Wei Yi (CHN, 2758) at this event. The Classical game ended in a draw and Arjun won Armageddon.
Armageddon
Wei misplaced his king 17...Ke7? 18.Qc1!+- threatening Ra3 queen trap 18...Qa4 19.Nxb7 Qxe4+ 20.Be2 Rb8 21.Nc5 Qb4 22.Na6 Qxb2 23.Rxc6 and Black has nothing for the lost knight. White won the game in another dozen moves.
Nakamura - Caruana: 1-1.5
Lately, Fabiano Caruana (USA, 2776) has struggled to beat Hikaru Nakamura (USA, 2777) in key matches at various events. That changed in this round. The Classical game was a calm draw.
Hikaru Nakamura tried a lot to score a win. However, Fabiano Caruana did not give any chance and the Armageddon ended in a draw.
Replay live stream
Round 6 results
Standings after Round 6
Round 7 pairings
D Gukesh - Arjun Erigaisi
Magnus Carlsen - Hikaru Nakamura
Fabiano Caruana - Wei Yi
Format
6 players will take part in the Tournament.
The Tournament is a double-round event with Armageddon.
The Tournament consists of 10 rounds.
Berger tables will be used for the pairings.
Time Control
Each player will have 120 minutes on the clock with an increment of 10 seconds starting from move 41. The time control for the Armageddon game: white has 10 minutes and black has 7 minutes with an increment for both players of 1 second per move, starting from move 41.
Draw by Mutual Agreement
Players are not allowed to agree to a draw until at least 30 moves have been made by each player. This rule does not apply to Armageddon games.
Armageddon
If the classical game is drawn, an Armageddon game will be played. It shall start within 20 minutes of the conclusion of the classical game. The player with White pieces will continue with White in Armageddon. If the Armageddon game is drawn, black will win.
Points
Players will get the following points per round:
Win in the classical game: 3 points
Loss in the classical game: 0 points
Draw in the classical game & win Armageddon: 1½ points
Draw in the classical game & loss Armageddon: 1 point
Schedule
From 26th May to 6th June, every day game starts at 5 p.m. local time and 8:30 p.m. IST. Rest days are on Friday 30th May and Wednesday 4th June.
Prize money
Prize Money The total prize fund of the Tournament is 1690000 NOK. Distribution of Prize money occurs as followed:
1st - NOK 700000
2nd - NOK 350000
3rd - NOK 200000
4th - NOK 170000
5th - NOK 150000
6th - NOK 120000
Watch the tournaments live at the venue:
Venue: Finansparken. For ticket info, visit here.
Ticket prices per day:
Adults: 200 NOK
Children and youth (under 18): 100 NOK
Family: 400 NOK
Links
Norway Chess: Official site, facebook, twitter, instagram, youtube, linkedin
