Magnus Carlsen dominates Grand Chess Tour 2025, clinching the SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz title in Zagreb, Croatia. The former World Champion showcased his unrivaled skill, securing victory with a round to spare. His performance solidified his reputation as one of chess’s all-time greats.
Carlsen’s Commanding Victory in Zagreb
Carlsen topped the leaderboard with 22.5 out of 36 points, defeating local favorite Ivan Saric in the final round. “When nobody else has a great performance, my B-game is usually enough. Always striving for more though!” Carlsen posted on X after his win. His calm and confident demeanor shone throughout the event. Despite finishing third in the rapid section with 10 points, he surged ahead in the blitz, scoring 12.5 points. This propelled him to the overall title and a $40,000 prize from the $175,000 pool. Carlsen’s blitz performance included a critical win against Alireza Firouzja, showcasing his strategic depth.
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Gukesh and So Shine, But Carlsen Prevails in the Grand Chess Tour
World Champion Dommaraju Gukesh led the rapid section with 14 points but settled for third overall with 19.5 points, earning $25,000. Wesley So claimed second place with 20 points, pocketing $30,000. Gukesh narrowly outscored Poland’s Duda Jan-Krzysztof and France’s Alireza Firouzja, both at 19 points. Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov followed with 18 points, while Fabiano Caruana and Anish Giri tied at 17 points. India’s R Praggnanandhaa scored 15 points, and Ivan Saric rounded out the field with 13. The Grand Chess Tour’s official site noted Carlsen’s ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes, particularly in high-pressure blitz games, as key to his dominance.
The SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz event, held from July 2 to 6, 2025, highlighted Carlsen’s resilience. His victory adds to his legacy as a five-time World Champion and reinforces his dominance in the Grand Chess Tour 2025. Fans can follow the tour’s next events at grandchesstour.org for more thrilling chess action.
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