Vishy Anand Champions Gukesh Ahead of Titanic Clash with Carlsen at Norway Chess 2025
Anand foresees “perfect storm” as teenage world champion Gukesh prepares to battle top-seeded Magnus Carlsen
BNH NETWORK
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
- Gukesh to challenge Magnus Carlsen in Norway Chess 2025 main event
- Vishy Anand calls it “the perfect storm” and predicts intense rivalry
- Four Indian players to compete in men’s and women’s divisions
- Norway Chess praised for innovation in global tournament formats
- Organisers explore hosting future editions in India
- Tournament dates: May 26 to June 6, 2025 in Stavanger, Norway
Organisers seek to bring Norway Chess to India amid nation’s unprecedented GM boom
Mumbai - India’s youngest-ever classical World Chess Champion, Gukesh Dommaraju, will go head-to-head with five-time world champion and World No.1 Magnus Carlsen in the year’s most anticipated chess showdown at Norway Chess 2025 in Stavanger, set for May 26 to June 6.
At a media event organised by Norway Chess and the Sports Journalists’ Association of Mumbai (SJAM) on Wednesday, five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand expressed full faith in Gukesh’s readiness to challenge Carlsen on the global stage.
"Gukesh will not lack motivation or the fire to challenge Magnus. And Magnus, too, thrives off these battles. It’s the perfect storm. We’re in for a thrilling contest,” Anand said.
India’s Golden Year in Chess
The spotlight on 18-year-old Gukesh is well-earned. In a historic run, the teen sensation has:
- Won the Tata Steel Masters
- Led India to Chess Olympiad Gold
- Captured the World Championship in Singapore (Dec 2024)
- Dominated the Candidates Tournament
His rise has made him a national icon, and the face of India’s chess resurgence.
Top-Tier Line-Up for Norway Chess 2025
➤ Men’s Tournament:
- Magnus Carlsen
- Gukesh D
- Hikaru Nakamura
- Fabiano Caruana
- Arjun Erigaisi
- Wei Yi
➤ Women’s Tournament:
- Ju Wenjun
- Lei Tingjie
- Humpy Koneru
- Vaishali Rameshbabu
- Anna Muzychuk
- Sarasadat Khademalsharieh
Both events follow a 6-player double round-robin format, with equal prize money and shared venues, underscoring Norway Chess's progressive approach.
Anand Praises Format and India’s Strength
Drawing from personal experience, Anand commended Norway Chess as a standout in FIDE’s calendar:
"Since its inception in 2013, it’s remained one of the most innovative tournaments. Be it the confessional booth or Armageddon tie-breaks, it redefines the sport each year.”
He also highlighted India’s depth:
“Indian chess has never been stronger. On the women’s side, Humpy continues to compete at the highest level, and Vaishali’s presence shows we’re in good hands for the future.”
India in Focus: Norway Chess Eyes Expansion
Kjell Madland, Managing Director and visionary behind Norway Chess, is in India exploring partnerships to bring the tournament to Indian soil.
"Hosting Gukesh vs Magnus is an honour. With so many Indian champions, it only makes sense that Norway Chess finds a home here too. The global chess map would be incomplete without India,” Madland said.
