GM Gukesh Dommaraju pulled off a sensational comeback in Round 6 of Norway Chess 2025 by defeating GM Magnus Carlsen in a game that seemed completely lost. In their second classical clash of the tournament, Carlsen had been in control throughout, showcasing flawless endgame technique—until a late blunder allowed the 19-year-old Indian prodigy to turn the tables. The win marked Gukesh’s first classical victory over Carlsen and blew the tournament wide open.
Carlsen was visibly upset, banging the table after resigning. Gukesh, visibly shaken, called it “just a lucky day” and admitted that “99 out of 100 times I would lose” that position. His tenacity and precise defense under time pressure kept him in the game until Carlsen’s error, 44…f6, followed by a dropped knight, sealed the result.
Elsewhere in the Open section, GM Fabiano Caruana defeated GM Hikaru Nakamura in the armageddon after a quiet classical draw. Caruana credited his recent collaboration with GM Aryan Tari for his creative openings and flexibility. GM Arjun Erigaisi had the most decisive mini-match win of the day, capitalizing on an early blunder by GM Wei Yi in armageddon. 
In the Women’s tournament, GM Anna Muzychuk caught GM Koneru Humpy at the top of the leaderboard with a convincing armageddon win over IM Sara Khadem. GM Ju Wenjun continued her streak with a fifth consecutive armageddon win, defeating GM Lei Tingjie in dramatic fashion. GM Vaishali Rameshbabu shocked GM Humpy by capitalizing on a one-move blunder in armageddon to take the mini-match.
As the tournament enters Round 7, the standings are tightly contested. In the Open, Caruana and Carlsen are tied at the top, with Gukesh just behind. In the Women’s, Humpy and Muzychuk are narrowly leading, with Ju and Vaishali close behind.
Key matchups in the next round include Carlsen vs. Nakamura and Gukesh vs. Arjun. In the Women’s section, the leaders face off in Humpy vs. Muzychuk—a potential decider.
Norway Chess 2025 continues to deliver high drama, bold moves, and surprises, keeping the race for the top wide open.
