Norwegian Magnus Carlsen, the highest-rated player in the world, will face 18-year-old D. Gukesh, the youngest world champion in history, in the Norway Chess 2025 tournament.
Last Thursday, Gukesh made headlines when he defeated China’s Ding Liren to secure the world title and bring it back to India for the first time since Viswanathan Anand’s reign.
This famous tournament will be held in Stavanger from May 26 to June 6 next year,
Gukesh had a remarkable 2024 season. He started in a four-way tie for first place at the Tata Steel Masters, won the Candidates tournament, led India to gold at the Chess Olympiad and finally won the highest prize in classical chess: the world champion title.
READ | World Chess Championship 2024: The plan was to tire Ding Liren – explains Gukesh’s coach Gajewski
“I’m excited to face the world’s strongest players again in Norway, and Armageddon will be a lot of fun,” said Gukesh. When asked about his preparations, he added: “I will prepare as usual and I will try to be the best version of myself in every way.”
In 2023, Gukesh finished third in Stavanger.
Wei Yi and Ju Wenjun from China, Arjun Erigaisi and R. Vaishali from India and Anna Muzychuk from Ukraine are the next players who have confirmed their participation in next year’s edition.
