Magnus Carlsen’s First Reaction After Shocking Loss: “D Gukesh’s Fighting….”

After a shocking loss to the young Indian Grandmaster, Carlsen admits he’s questioning his interest in classical chess.

June 03, 2025: Magnus Carlsen has shared his first candid reaction after being stunned by 19-year-old Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh in Round 6 of the Norway Chess tournament. Carlsen, 34, admitted that Gukesh’s sheer energy and fighting qualities helped him pull off the upset.

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“I remember being that age myself,” Carlsen said on Monday. “Your energy, your fighting spirit, and your optimism sometimes outweigh the quality of your moves. Gukesh was blindly pushing, but on a normal day, I would have won that game.”

After losing to Gukesh, Carlsen vented his frustration by slamming his fist on the table, sending chess pieces flying. But he composed himself to beat American World No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura in an Armageddon tie-break, although the loss to Gukesh still clearly weighed on his mind.

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“He (Gukesh) fights very well and grabbed his chance despite being at a disadvantage for most of the game,” Carlsen admitted. “But that’s the kind of chance I should have put away. Otherwise, I have no chance.”

Also Read: Magnus Carlsen Left Furious After Loss to India’s D Gukesh At Norway Chess

Hinting At Classical Chess Fatigue
Reflecting on his future in classical chess, Carlsen hinted he might be rethinking it altogether: “I think I’ll play the last three games here, and then I’ll have to make some decisions about next year or potential other tournaments. I just don’t enjoy classical chess that much,” he confessed.

He added, “Losses are painful, but at least if I lose doing something I really enjoy, like Blitz, Rapid or Freestyle, it’s easier to handle. Yesterday, I wondered—why am I even doing this? But I’ll do my best in the last three games.”

In Round 7, Carlsen and Nakamura agreed to a quick 21-move draw, leading to another Armageddon tie-break. “Winning that was the best-case scenario for me. There were many tempting options, but then I saw that move,” Carlsen said, referring to a key moment in the tie-break.

Golf, Relaxation & A Possible Shift In Focus
Carlsen also revealed he’s been spending time playing golf and relaxing with his wife to take his mind off chess. “It’s good to have something else to focus on,” he said.

While Gukesh’s win has captured the world’s attention, Carlsen’s introspective comments hint at a possible shift away from the classical format that has defined his career.

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Magnus Carlsen, D Gukesh, Norway Chess 2025, Magnus Carlsen loss, chess news, Gukesh beats Carlsen, Armageddon tie-break, future of classical chess, Magnus Carlsen retirement hints, Indian chess news