Gukesh Vs. Carlsen: World Champion To Face World’s Highest Rated Player Next Year

The chess world is abuzz with excitement as Norway’s Magnus Carlsen, the world’s highest-rated player, prepares to face 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju, the youngest World Champion in history, at Norway Chess 2025.

Gukesh made headlines last Thursday by defeating Ding Liren to claim the World Championship title, bringing the prestigious crown back to India for the first time since Viswanathan Anand’s era. The highly anticipated tournament, set to be held in Stavanger from May 26 to June 6, promises a historic clash between Carlsen and the newly crowned champion.

Gukesh has enjoyed a phenomenal year, capturing the Tata Steel Masters title, leading India to gold at the Chess Olympiad, excelling at the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Candidates Tournament, and finally achieving the ultimate honor in classical chess: the World Championship title.

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Eager to return to Norway Chess, Gukesh expressed his excitement. “I am excited to face the strongest players in the world again in Norway, and also the Armageddons will be fun. I will prepare as I usually do and try to be the best version of myself in every way,” he said, according to a Norway Chess release.

In 2023, Gukesh finished third in Stavanger. This time, he returns as World Champion, ready to take on Carlsen on his home turf. The chess world is eager to see whether Gukesh’s momentum will propel him to victory or if Carlsen’s experience and home advantage will give him the edge.

“This matchup is truly unique, and it is thrilling to see the World Champion face off against the world’s highest-rated player,” said Kjell Madland, founder and tournament director of Norway Chess. “The whole world will be watching, and the Norway Chess team is proud to host such an incredible event here in Stavanger,” he added.

Norway Chess, one of the world’s premier chess tournaments, features a distinctive six-player double round-robin format that attracts the best male and female players. The event also introduced Norway Chess Women in 2024, with equal prize funds for men and women, highlighting its commitment to gender equality and innovation in the sport.

Norway Chess 2025 is scheduled to run from May 26 to June 6. Alongside the tournament, the annual Norway Summit, a multidisciplinary conference focusing on technology, innovation, and the economy, will take place on June 4.

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