Gukesh chooses win over Carlsen as favourite Norway Chess moment; even Magnus had to laugh | WATCH

D Gukesh may have narrowly missed out on lifting the Norway Chess 2025 title, but the 19-year-old proved he’s just as sharp off the board as on it. In a light-hearted moment during an event held alongside the tournament, Gukesh displayed his trademark wit.

When asked about his favourite moment of the competition, Gukesh didn't hesitate: "Beating Magnus." The remark, delivered with a smile, drew laughter from the audience and even elicited a grin from Carlsen himself, who was seated among the spectators.

Carlsen, later posed the same question, graciously agreed. "I think it's the same. I mean, there were a lot of great moments in the tournament, but that one definitely stands out," the Norwegian admitted.

Gukesh’s win over Carlsen came in the sixth round of the tournament — his first-ever classical victory over the former World Champion. The young Indian came from behind to outplay Carlsen, who, visibly frustrated, banged the table before congratulating Gukesh and offering a pat on the back in a sporting gesture.

Despite that setback, Carlsen went on to secure the title for a record-extending seventh time. The final day saw high drama, with Carlsen needing just a draw against fellow Indian Arjun Erigaisi to clinch the crown. Although Erigaisi kept Carlsen under pressure, the Norwegian showcased his endgame mastery with a late comeback, eventually sealing the draw through threefold repetition.

Heading into the final round, Carlsen held a slim half-point lead over Gukesh, who was also in contention. A draw for Gukesh against Fabiano Caruana could have taken the title race to a pair of Armageddon deciders. However, an unfortunate error on move 48 dashed those hopes. The slip not only cost Gukesh the game, but also saw him fall to third place, with Caruana overtaking him in the standings.