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Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand has weighed in on the electrifying clash between Magnus Carlsen and D Gukesh at the upcoming Norway Chess 2025, a matchup poised to captivate the global chess community. The showdown pits reigning World Champion Gukesh against five-time titleholder Carlsen, reigniting a rivalry that peaked during the 2025 Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour. There, Carlsen edged out Gukesh with a tactical masterclass, later quipping the Indian star “was trying too much.”
Now, Gukesh seeks redemption, while Carlsen aims to reaffirm his dominance. Amid the hype, Anand—India’s chess icon—shared his candid take on the duel and the broader Indian contingent at the event.
Viswanathan Anand’s take on Magnus Carlsen vs. D Gukesh & India’s Chess ascent
Anand, a five-time World Champion himself, didn’t shy from hyping the Carlsen-Gukesh clash.
“I expect a very exciting battle,” he declared during a recent Sports Journalists Association of Mumbai event. Acknowledging Gukesh’s hunger to avenge his Grand Slam loss, Anand emphasized the Indian’s relentless drive: “Both Gukesh and Arjun [Erigaisi] won’t lack motivation to challenge Magnus.”
However, he also highlighted Carlsen’s unshakable competitive spirit, noting the Norwegian thrives when facing rising stars.
“Magnus is highly motivated by our youngsters. He eagerly anticipates these confrontations—whether in Kolkata or at the World Rapid Blitz.”
Viswanathan Anand framed their clash as a “perfect storm”—a blend of D Gukesh’s ambition and Magnus Carlsen’s seasoned brilliance. But the Indian maestro’s insights didn’t stop there.
India’s chess cavalry: Strength in depth
Norway Chess 2025 will feature four Indian talents: Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, Vaishali Rameshbabu, and Koneru Humpy. Anand lauded the squad’s depth, particularly on the men’s side:
“Indian chess is as strong as ever, thanks to our rising talent pool.”
He also praised veterans like Humpy, who continues to compete at the highest level, and rising star Vaishali, whose inclusion underscores India’s growing influence in women’s chess.
The men’s event boasts a star-studded lineup, including Fabiano Caruana, Hikaru Nakamura, and Wei Yi, while the women’s bracket features Ju Wenjun, Lei Tingjie, and others. Yet Viswanathan Anand’s focus remains on India’s potential to shine.
Armageddon & innovation: Anand’s mixed verdict
This year’s Norway Chess introduces the Armageddon tiebreak system—a rapid-fire decider if classical games end in draws. Anand endorsed the format cautiously:
“Armageddon adds excitement, but too many innovations can overwhelm.”
He acknowledged ongoing tweaks to balance drama and fairness, suggesting, “We’re still refining Armageddon’s weight in the overall score.”
The system, which forces players into high-pressure blitz scenarios, could test D Gukesh’s composure against Magnus Carlsen’s endgame mastery. Yet Anand’s analysis implies both players thrive under such intensity, setting the stage for edge-of-seat drama.
The stakes ahead
For Gukesh, Norway Chess is more than a title bid—it’s a chance to cement his World Champion status against a legend who once overshadowed him. Carlsen, meanwhile, battles to prove his reign isn’t waning. Viswanathan Anand’s commentary underscores the psychological duel at play: D Gukesh’s fearless aggression versus Magnus Carlsen’s tactical patience.
As the chess world tunes in, Anand’s words resonate: this isn’t just a game, but a narrative of legacy, rivalry, and India’s unstoppable rise.
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