In what can only be described as a turning point in modern chess, 19-year-old Indian genius and current World Champion, D. Gukesh Dommaraju, partook in his second consecutive triumph over Magnus Carlsen, the world number one, at the SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz Croatia 2025 Tournament.

This victory is more than just another point on the score sheet; this victory represents a transition into a new era of chess, one in which Carlsen’s esteemed dominance is genuinely being inhibited.

Gukesh’s Second Win From Magnus

On July 3rd 2025, in Zagreb, Croatia, Gukesh – while playing with the Black pieces – managed to draw blood from Carlsen in a 49-move contest, and also, on the second day of the Rapid section. The interesting twist, is that, he did this from a bad position, exhibiting an incredible sense of calmness, strategy and fortitude.

As reported by Chess.com, after several sharp tactical exchanges had left Carlsen defenseless, he resigned. While this was an incredible victory, it was also a microcosm of a strategic transfiguration of chess, giving chess new identity.

What Happened in First Gukesh Vs Magnus Chess Match?

This isn’t the first time Gukesh has made Carlsen feel uncomfortable. Just a couple of weeks prior, at Norway Chess 2025, Gukesh had handed Carlsen only one of his rare classical defeats (usually playing more rapid time formats) and the match had ended with Carlsen slamming the table in frustration. This moment, clearly, went viral.

In rapid time control, Gukesh has proven that lightning can strike twice, and this time he looked like he visibly rattled Carlsen.

“Honestly, I don’t enjoy playing chess at the moment at all,” Carlsen said after the loss, as reported by Indian Express. “When I am playing, I hesitate all the time– it’s just so poor at the moment.”

Seeing Carlsen express what is tantamount to doubt in his own abilities is a rare look in the mind of the GOAT, but it begs to ask the question: is the crown slipping?

Context of the Tournament

Gukesh finished with a victory to garner 10 points and to place him at the top of the leaderboard, ahead of other heavyweights in the tournament, including Jan-Krzysztof Duda and Fabiano Caruana. Gukesh has now won his last five games in the rapid event, an amazing tally against elite-level players!

Gukesh’s currentscape comes shortly after becoming the youngest World Chess Champion in history, which he claimed earlier in 2025 (and for the record, Gukesh defeated Ian Nepomniachtchi to claim the title).

Video Highlights

Watch the full post-game interview and analysis: Gukesh Upsets Magnus for Second Consecutive Time! – Chess.com

Legends React: Kasparov and Anand

Chess icon Garry Kasparov who was commenting for the Grand Chess Tour was wow-ed by Gukesh saying:

“Now we are able to question Magnus’ dominance… It was not a miracle, it was a big fight, and Magnus lost.”

Meanwhile, Indian businessman Anand Mahindra praised Gukesh’s silent strength after the previous table slam incident:

“His silence was louder.”

Clearly Gukesh is now being recognized not just for his moves, but for how he remains calm and collected under extraordinary pressure.

Why People Called It a Fluke Earlier?

In their inaugural game at Norway Chess 2025, Magnus Carlsen made a error during a critical endgame moment versus Gukesh. Carlsen, playing White, had a slight position—and then Carlsen created pressure. Carlsen misjudged the bishop’s move and gave Gukesh a chance to bring his rook in and move a passed pawn. Carlsen had started to simplify into a draw, but his blunder gave Gukesh total control of the game.

Carlsen realized too late it was a blunder—he lost his composure after slamming the table in frustration and gave up a few moves after! This was not merely a tactical blunder—it was psychological. Gukesh did not lose composure; Carlsen did.

Some people could say he just got lucky, but that’s not the case. Gukesh’s continued form—behaving as steadily in classical and rapid formats—shows he is consistently a challenge; a new force in world chess.

That Magnus Carlsen, after more than a decade of being in control of the chess world, is now yet another admitting being frustrated and doubting himself is indicative of how big of a change this is.

Conclusion: A shift in symbolism

Two wins against Carlsen in succession, a cabinet full of trophies, and a level of calmness that rattles even the most seasoned players—he’s got all the indicators of a rising legend.

The question is no longer “Can Gukesh beat Carlsen?” It is “How long is it until Gukesh becomes the new image of chess excellence?”

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