The chess world ignites with drama as Magnus Carlsen and Gukesh Dommaraju face off at the SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz Croatia 2025. This Grand Chess Tour event in Zagreb crackles with tension after Carlsen labeled Gukesh “one of the weaker players” in rapid and blitz formats. However, the 19-year-old world champion responded fiercely, seizing joint lead on day one with victories over top players.
Gukesh: Day-One Triumph
On Wednesday, Gukesh stunned critics by defeating Alireza Firouzja, Carlsen’s predicted favorite, and Praggnanandhaa, a three-time title winner this year. Consequently, these wins tied him with Carlsen atop the 10-player field. “Gukesh hasn’t done anything to indicate he’s going to do well in such a tournament,” Carlsen remarked pre-tournament. Gukesh’s performance boldly challenged that narrative.
Carlsen Fuels the Rivalry
Carlsen didn’t hold back before the event. “I will approach it as I’m playing one of the presumably weaker players,” he told organizers. His comments reflect Gukesh’s historical struggles in rapid and blitz, unlike his classical chess prowess. Previously, their rivalry exploded at Norway Chess 2024 when Gukesh’s win triggered Carlsen’s infamous table-smashing outburst. “It was a painful loss,” Carlsen confessed, according to Grand Chess Tour.
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Elite Field, High Stakes
This tournament boasts stars like Fabiano Caruana, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Wesley So, Jan-Krzysztof Duda, Ivan Saric, and Anish Giri. Over nine rapid and 18 blitz rounds, Carlsen will battle Gukesh once in rapid on Thursday and twice in blitz later. Moreover, Carlsen, fresh from his honeymoon, named Caruana and Firouzja as top contenders. “This is a very strong field,” he emphasized.
The Norway Chess table-smashing incident remains iconic. Garry Kasparov quipped about needing “heavier tables” in Zagreb. Meanwhile, Carlsen plans to stay composed. “I plan to make good moves so those gestures won’t be necessary,” he smiled. Additionally, a viral handshake between Carlsen and Gukesh, shared by Grand Chess Tour, hyped their showdown.
Also Read: From Prodigy to Champion: How Gukesh Became a World Sensation
