Magnus Carlsen Secures Seventh Norway Chess Title Amid Dramatic Final Round

Carlsen Triumphs in Norway Chess

Magnus Carlsen, a five-time world champion, has successfully claimed his seventh title at the Norway Chess tournament. This victory was made possible when American Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana defeated Indian chess prodigy D. Gukesh in the final round, allowing Carlsen to secure three crucial points.

For Gukesh, the day was filled with tension. After finding himself in a tough spot against Caruana, he attempted to mount a comeback. However, as time slipped away, he made a critical error, realizing too late that his chances had vanished.

Absolute heartbreak for Gukesh as he’d rescued a draw against Caruana only to blunder at the very end!#NorwayChess pic.twitter.com/ruCepSQNEH

— chess24 (@chess24com) June 6, 2025

With only two seconds remaining, Gukesh extended his hand in a gesture of sportsmanship, only to later cover his face in disappointment.

Carlsen, the defending champion, concluded the tournament with a total of 16 points after drawing against fellow Indian player Arjun Erigaisi, despite being in a challenging position.

Caruana secured second place with 15.5 points, while Gukesh finished third with 14.5 points, marking his second consecutive podium finish at Norway Chess. Erigaisi rounded out the top five with 12.5 points.

In the women's division, Anna Muzychuk from Ukraine, who led overnight and is a two-time world blitz champion, clinched the title with 16.5 points, despite losing in an Armageddon tie-break to India's R. Vaishali in the final round.

Muzychuk's draw in the classical match against Vaishali earned both players a point, while Vaishali gained an additional half point by winning in the Armageddon format, finishing with a total of 11 points.

The Norway Chess tournament awards three points for a classical victory. In case of a draw, players share one point, followed by the Armageddon tie-break where the winner receives an extra half point.

Had Vaishali won the classical game against Muzychuk, she would have denied the Ukrainian three points, potentially allowing Koneru Humpy to take the title if she had also triumphed over Chinese champion Ju Wenjun.

Unfortunately for Humpy, who entered the final round with 13.5 points, she could only manage a draw with the white pieces, earning one point. She added another half point by defeating Wenjun in the Armageddon tie-break, finishing with a total of 15 points.