World Champion Dommaraju Gukesh made a sensational comeback by defeating the world’s No. 1 ranked player, Magnus Carlsen, in the 6th round of the Norway Chess 2025 tournament on Sunday evening, marking his first victory over the five-time champion in classical chess. The win, achieved from an almost hopeless position, was not only a personal milestone for the 19-year-old Indian grandmaster but also significantly intensified the competition for the tournament lead.

From "Hopeless Position" to Comeback King

Carlsen controlled the game for nearly four hours, holding an advantage and seemingly on track for a second victory over the 19-year-old Indian prodigy in this tournament. But in the endgame, when both players were in time trouble, the incredible happened: Carlsen blundered. 

The move 52...Ne2+?? proved fatal — and Gukesh, showing steely composure, seized the moment instantly. A frustrated Carlsen struck the table, resigned the game, and left without speaking to the press.

"I couldn't do anything. The position was completely lost," said Gukesh. "But I tried to keep the situation sharp. Maybe it was just a lucky day."

This victory not only avenged Gukesh's defeat in the first round but also lifted him to third place in the overall standings with 8.5 points — just one point behind leaders Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana. But for Gukesh, it was more than just points.

"There was nothing much I could do. The position was absolutely lost," Gukesh admitted after the game. "I just tried to find moves that could complicate life for him. In 99 out of 100 cases, I would have lost this game. Just a lucky day."

But calling it luck would be unfair. Gukesh's coach, Grzegorz Gajewski, noted his protégé's perseverance and character:

First of all, he had never beaten Magnus. And second, as world champion, he's constantly facing people saying, ‘You’re only champion because Magnus didn’t play.’ This win won’t silence everyone, but it gives him confidence—and some much-deserved credit.

Grzegorz Gajewski

The victory also had symbolic significance. After the first game, Carlsen posted a bold statement on social media: "You go against the king — better not miss." A week later, the young champion did not miss.

The Event's Significance in Chess Competition History

Commentators have already dubbed this match the "comeback of the year." Carlsen's emotional reaction only highlighted the tension of the moment. Gukesh, in turn, lightened the mood with humor: "I've hit the table many times too — on camera and off. So I understand him."

The Indian-Norwegian rivalry in Stavanger has added a new chapter to the chess showdown. Last year, Praggnanandhaa became the first Indian to beat Carlsen in a classical game at Norway Chess. Now Gukesh goes further — as the reigning world champion.

With four rounds remaining, the top three are separated by just one point. The tournament promises a fierce conclusion. But for Gukesh, who turned 19 last week, Sunday's game may be more than just a tournament stage; it could be a moment of truth — when he truly became a champion in the eyes of even the staunchest skeptics.