The world of chess is set for an electrifying start to Norway Chess 2025 as reigning World Champion D Gukesh faces the legendary Magnus Carlsen in a blockbuster Round 1 encounter. This much-anticipated match is more than just a game — it marks Gukesh’s return to classical chess after his historic world title win.
Also Read:- Praggnanandhaa Wins Big in Romania, Gukesh Finishes 6th in Major Chess Tournament
Gukesh’s Big Comeback
It’s been six months since 17-year-old D Gukesh etched his name in history by becoming the youngest FIDE World Chess Champion, defeating Ding Liren in a nail-biting Game 14 in Singapore. Since then, fans have eagerly awaited his return to classical action — and what a return it is, against arguably the greatest chess player of all time.
Also Read:- Shikhar Dhawan Buys ₹69 Crore Ultra-Luxury Apartment in DLF The Dahlias, Gurugram
The Ultimate Test: Facing Carlsen on His Home Turf
Facing Magnus Carlsen in Stavanger, Norway, at Carlsen’s home tournament, is no easy feat. While the former World Champion has shifted focus away from classical chess in recent years, he’s still considered the strongest player in the format — and enters the tournament as the favourite.
Carlsen, known for his aggressive and intuitive play, will hold the white pieces, giving him the opening edge against Gukesh, who will play black.
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Previous Encounters: History Favors Carlsen
This isn’t their first meeting. Their last showdown came in the FIDE World Cup 2023 quarterfinals, where Carlsen triumphed 1.5-0.5. In classical chess, Carlsen leads the head-to-head with one win and three draws. Gukesh is still hunting for his first classical victory over the Norwegian maestro.
Other Round 1 Matches to Watch
While Gukesh vs Carlsen is the main draw, there’s plenty more to look forward to:
- Arjun Erigaisi vs Wei Yi – A battle of rising stars.
- Fabiano Caruana vs Hikaru Nakamura – A fierce all-American face-off.
Also Read:- Neeraj Chopra Smashes National Record with 90.23m Throw at Doha Diamond League 2025, Clinches Silver
Venue & Timings
- Venue: Finansparken, Stavanger, Norway
- Start Time: May 27, 2025, at 8:30 PM IST
- Gukesh vs Carlsen Match Time: Expected around 10:30 PM IST
Where to Watch Live
Catch the action live on:
- SonyLiv (India)
- Chess.com
- Chess.com, YouTube, and Twitch channels
The world of chess is set for an electrifying start to Norway Chess 2025 as reigning World Champion D Gukesh faces the legendary Magnus Carlsen in a blockbuster Round 1 encounter. This much-anticipated match is more than just a game — it marks Gukesh’s return to classical chess after his historic world title win.
Also Read:- Praggnanandhaa Wins Big in Romania, Gukesh Finishes 6th in Major Chess Tournament
Gukesh’s Big Comeback
It’s been six months since 17-year-old D Gukesh etched his name in history by becoming the youngest FIDE World Chess Champion, defeating Ding Liren in a nail-biting Game 14 in Singapore. Since then, fans have eagerly awaited his return to classical action — and what a return it is, against arguably the greatest chess player of all time.
Also Read:- Shikhar Dhawan Buys ₹69 Crore Ultra-Luxury Apartment in DLF The Dahlias, Gurugram
The Ultimate Test: Facing Carlsen on His Home Turf
Facing Magnus Carlsen in Stavanger, Norway, at Carlsen’s home tournament, is no easy feat. While the former World Champion has shifted focus away from classical chess in recent years, he’s still considered the strongest player in the format — and enters the tournament as the favourite.
Carlsen, known for his aggressive and intuitive play, will hold the white pieces, giving him the opening edge against Gukesh, who will play black.
Also Read:- Cristiano Ronaldo Tops Forbes’ 2025 Rich List, Beating Curry, Fury & Messi
Previous Encounters: History Favors Carlsen
This isn’t their first meeting. Their last showdown came in the FIDE World Cup 2023 quarterfinals, where Carlsen triumphed 1.5-0.5. In classical chess, Carlsen leads the head-to-head with one win and three draws. Gukesh is still hunting for his first classical victory over the Norwegian maestro.
Other Round 1 Matches to Watch
While Gukesh vs Carlsen is the main draw, there’s plenty more to look forward to:
- Arjun Erigaisi vs Wei Yi – A battle of rising stars.
- Fabiano Caruana vs Hikaru Nakamura – A fierce all-American face-off.
Also Read:- Neeraj Chopra Smashes National Record with 90.23m Throw at Doha Diamond League 2025, Clinches Silver
Venue & Timings
- Venue: Finansparken, Stavanger, Norway
- Start Time: May 27, 2025, at 8:30 PM IST
- Gukesh vs Carlsen Match Time: Expected around 10:30 PM IST
Where to Watch Live
Catch the action live on:
- SonyLiv (India)
- Chess.com
- Chess.com, YouTube, and Twitch channels
