Stunning defeat against Gukesh makes Carlsen question future in Classical chess: ‘Will have to make some decisions’

Stunning defeat against Gukesh makes Carlsen question future in Classical chess: ‘Will have to make some decisions’

Reigning world champion D Gukesh defeated world No 1 Magnus Carlsen in their sixth-round meeting at Norway Chess on Sunday, with the Indian Grandmaster prevailing in 62 moves. The defeat made Carlsen rethink about his future in Classical chess, a format he has been highly critical of in recent months.

Defending champion and world No 1 Magnus Carlsen in action against D Gukesh in Round 6 of the 2025 Norway Chess in Stavanger, Norway. Image credit: Michal Walusza/Norway Chess