Vishy Anand backs Gukesh ahead of epic Norway Chess 2025 clash

 

Vishy Anand backs Gukesh ahead of epic Norway Chess 2025 clash

 

Mumbai, 10th April 2025: As anticipation builds for one of the most awaited chess battles of the year, Indian prodigy and reigning World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju is set to face off against world no.1 Magnus Carlsen at Norway Chess 2025, scheduled from May 26 to June 6 in Stavanger.

 

At an event co-hosted by Norway Chess and the Sports Journalists’ Association of Mumbai (SJAM), five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand threw his support behind Gukesh, hailing the teenager’s motivation and form. “Gukesh will not lack determination. But Magnus is equally fired up for these matchups. It’s a perfect storm – we can expect some thrilling games,” Anand remarked.

 

The 18-year-old Gukesh has had a stellar year, clinching titles at the Tata Steel Masters, leading India to Chess Olympiad gold, winning the Candidates Tournament, and securing the classical World Championship in Singapore.

 

Norway Chess 2025 will feature a stellar men’s lineup including Carlsen, Nakamura, Caruana, Gukesh, Erigaisi, and Wei Yi. The Women’s event boasts stars like Ju Wenjun, Lei Tingjie, Koneru Humpy, Vaishali R, Anna Muzychuk, and Sarasadat Khademalsharieh. Both tournaments follow an equal-format, equal-prize 6-player double round-robin structure.

 

Kjell Madland, Managing Director of Norway Chess, expressed interest in expanding the tournament to India. “India has become a powerhouse of chess. Hosting a Gukesh vs Carlsen clash in India would be phenomenal,” he said.

 

Anand praised the tournament’s innovation and India’s growing presence, stating, “Indian chess has never been stronger.”