Viswanathan Anand Champions Gukesh Ahead of Norway Chess 2025
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Synopsis
As the youngest world chess champion, Gukesh Dommaraju prepares to clash with Magnus Carlsen at Norway Chess 2025, Viswanathan Anand expresses his support for the young talent. The tournament promises electrifying competitions from May 26 to June 6 in Stavanger, featuring top players.
Key Takeaways
- Gukesh Dommaraju faces Magnus Carlsen at Norway Chess 2025.
- Viswanathan Anand endorses Gukesh, predicting an exciting match.
- Gukesh's remarkable achievements in 2024 include winning the World Championship.
- Norway Chess features a mix of top global players and innovative formats.
- Indian chess representation is strong with multiple players in the tournament.
Mumbai, April 10 (NationPress) The youngest world champion ever, Gukesh Dommaraju, is set to face off against Magnus Carlsen, the top-ranked player globally, in a thrilling encounter at the highly-anticipated Norway Chess 2025. This prestigious tournament will unfold in Stavanger from May 26 to June 6.
During an event organized by the Norway Chess and Sports Journalists Association of Mumbai (SJAM), five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand expressed strong support for the young prodigy from Chennai.
“I anticipate an electrifying showdown. Gukesh will have no shortage of motivation or resolve to challenge Magnus Carlsen. Conversely, Magnus is equally driven by the opportunity to compete against our young talents. Having observed him in numerous tournaments, whether in Kolkata or the World Rapid Blitz, he eagerly awaits these match-ups, creating the ideal scenario for thrilling contests. We can rightfully expect remarkable battles,” Anand stated during a virtual appearance at the event.
At just 18 years old, Gukesh has enjoyed an extraordinary 2024, securing victories in the Tata Steel Masters, leading India to a gold medal at the Chess Olympiad, dominating the Candidates Tournament, and clinching the ultimate accolade in classical chess: the World Championship title in Singapore last December.
This edition of Norway Chess boasts a star-studded roster, including world No. 1 and defending champion Magnus Carlsen (Norway), Hikaru Nakamura (USA), Gukesh D. (India), Fabiano Caruana (USA), Arjun Erigaisi (India), and Wei Yi (China) among the men.
The Norway Chess Women will feature reigning four-time Women's World Champion Ju Wenjun (China), Lei Tingjie (China), Koneru Humpy (India), Anna Muzychuk (Ukraine), Vaishali Rameshbabu (India), and Sarasadat Khademalsharieh (Spain).
Both the Norway Chess and Norway Chess Women tournaments share the same format, prize money, and take place in the same venue, adhering to a 6-player double round-robin structure.
Reflecting on his experience at Norway Chess, Anand emphasized what sets this event apart from other competitions on the FIDE calendar. With the top five players in the world participating this year, the tournament promises to be exhilarating for any chess enthusiast.
“It stands as one of the premier events in chess. Since its inception in 2013, Norway Chess has continuously evolved, enhancing its appeal and showcasing the essence of chess. They consistently introduce unique elements, such as the confessional booth or the Armageddon format. This innovation elevates the tournament, and the competition level is simply outstanding,” Anand remarked.
He added, “For Indian chess, having four players represented speaks volumes. Our men's chess scene is stronger than ever, thanks to its depth. It's wonderful to see Koneru Humpy continuing to compete successfully, joined by Vaishali, which bodes well for us.”
During his visit to India to explore partnerships, Kjell Madland, the Managing Director and visionary behind Norway Chess, expressed enthusiasm for further expansion.
“Norway Chess is truly honored to host the Gukesh and Magnus showdown, particularly following Gukesh’s remarkable form. Both champions will have opportunities to challenge each other, which is fantastic for Norway Chess,” he said.
“And hopefully, next year, Norway Chess can hold this exact matchup in India, where there are so many champions. The quality of chess in India has remarkably improved over the past decade, and the sport would indeed be less vibrant without the Indian champions,” he added.
