Zagreb, July 4, 2025 - In a dramatic encounter at the SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz Croatia tournament, Indian teenage grandmaster D Gukesh defeated five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen in a rapid match, prompting chess legend Garry Kasparov to suggest that Carlsen’s era of unchecked dominance might finally be fading.

The 18-year-old Gukesh, already hailed as one of India’s brightest chess talents, stunned spectators and pundits alike by claiming a clear and confident win against Carlsen on Friday. This marks his second victory over Carlsen in just over a month, following an earlier classical win at Norway Chess - making Gukesh one of the very few players to beat Carlsen in multiple formats within such a short span.

The game, played as part of the Grand Chess Tour event in Zagreb, started with Carlsen opting for a sharp opening, seemingly confident after calling Gukesh one of the “weaker” players in the tournament lineup just days prior. But Gukesh, known for his calm demeanor and surgical precision, outlasted the Norwegian legend through resilient defense and relentless positional play. A critical error from Carlsen in the late middlegame, a miscalculated knight sacrifice allowed Gukesh to seize control and ultimately force resignation by move 49.

Chess fans watching the live stream were treated to sharp commentary from Garry Kasparov, who didn't mince words. “Now we can question Magnus’ domination,” the former world champion said, noting that Gukesh didn’t just capitalize on mistakes, he outplayed Carlsen in both idea and execution. Kasparov, known for his high standards, also praised Gukesh's playing style as “machine-like” in its precision and depth.

Carlsen, visibly frustrated, accepted the loss without public comment, though reports indicate he skipped the post-match press interaction. His earlier dismissive remark about Gukesh being a lesser threat now seems poorly timed, especially as Gukesh leads the rapid standings in Zagreb.

The Indian grandmaster's performance is already being compared to that of Viswanathan Anand in his prime, with many analysts projecting Gukesh as a future world champion—not merely by talent, but by sheer consistency across formats.

The win boosts Gukesh's standing in the Grand Chess Tour and significantly raises his stock among global fans and sponsors. Back home, praise poured in from across India, with business leaders like Anand Mahindra lauding the youngster’s poise. “His silence roared louder than any table-slam,” Mahindra tweeted, referring to Carlsen’s previous outburst after losing to Gukesh in Norway.

As the blitz rounds continue in Zagreb, all eyes remain on Gukesh, not just to see if he can continue his winning streak, but to witness whether a new generation in chess has truly arrived to unseat its long-reigning monarch.

The board has shifted. The balance of power is under question. And Gukesh is no longer the underdog, he’s a contender.