A New King in the Arena: Gukesh Rules Rapid Chess in Zagreb
On Friday, July 4, 2025, in the beautiful city of Zagreb, Croatia, Indian chess sensation D. Gukesh made headlines once again. The 19-year-old reigning World Champion stunned the global chess community by winning the Rapid segment of the SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz 2025, part of the prestigious Grand Chess Tour.
In a tournament filled with the biggest names in modern chess – including Magnus Carlsen, Wesley So, Fabiano Caruana, Ian Nepomniachtchi, and fellow Indian star R. Praggnanandhaa – it was Gukesh who emerged as the undisputed master of rapid play.
The Tournament: Where Talent Met Tenacity
The SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz event follows a format of 9 rounds of Rapid chess (scored with 2 points for a win, 1 for a draw) followed by 18 rounds of Blitz. In the Rapid section, Gukesh dominated with 6 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss, finishing with a total of 14 points out of 18.
What made this achievement even more remarkable was the quality of his victories. Gukesh took down some of the strongest minds in chess history, including the former World Champion Magnus Carlsen and the ever-dangerous Wesley So.
From Early Loss to Glorious Comeback
Gukesh didn’t have a dream start. He lost his opening round to Jan-Krzysztof Duda, but that defeat became a turning point. What followed was a masterclass in chess resilience and tactical brilliance. He stitched together five consecutive wins, showcasing calm, clock control, and deep preparation.
Among those five victories were games against:
- Magnus Carlsen (Round 4)
- Wesley So (Final Round – a clinical 36-move win)
- Ian Nepomniachtchi
- Alireza Firouzja
- Maxime Vachier-Lagrave
Gukesh’s Final Rapid Standings
| Rank | Player | Rapid Points | Wins | Losses | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D. Gukesh | 14 | 6 | 1 | 2 |
| 2 | Jan-Krzysztof Duda | 11 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
| 3 | Magnus Carlsen | 10 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| 4 | Fabiano Caruana | 10 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| 5 | R. Praggnanandhaa | 9 | 4 | 4 | 1 |
Best Moments of the Tournament
Here are some of the defining highlights from Gukesh’s performance:
Beating Magnus Carlsen (Round 4)
The game that truly shook the chess world. Gukesh outplayed Carlsen in the middlegame with a dynamic pawn sacrifice and positional dominance.
The 36-Move Victory Over Wesley So
His final game was a textbook finish. Clean opening, strong middle game, and a flawless endgame – Gukesh ended the Rapid section like a boss.
Five-Win Streak After Round 1 Loss
Very few players bounce back from a first-round loss with such confidence. Gukesh showed both mental strength and preparation.
Gukesh’s Key Achievements Till Date
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| 2019 | Youngest Indian GM (at age 12 years, 7 months) |
| 2021 | Wins World Youth Chess Championship |
| 2022 | First win over Magnus Carlsen at Aimchess Rapid |
| 2023 | Wins multiple FIDE Circuit tournaments |
| 2024 | Becomes World Chess Champion (youngest ever) |
| 2025 | Wins Rapid Segment at Grand Chess Tour Zagreb |
Gukesh is not just a rising star – he’s now firmly established among the best players in the world.
What the Chess World Said
Even Garry Kasparov, legendary former World Champion and observer at the event, praised Gukesh’s composure and precision.
“He plays like a machine – focused, fearless, and extremely hard to break,” Kasparov noted.
Magnus Carlsen, usually reserved in defeat, admitted Gukesh’s victory was well-earned:
“He punished my inaccuracies quite soundly. That’s what top-level chess is about.”
What’s Next for Gukesh?
With the Blitz rounds continuing in Zagreb and Gukesh leading by a comfortable 3-point margin, the young prodigy has a strong chance to win the overall SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz tournament.
If he maintains his pace, this would be one of the most dominant performances in recent Grand Chess Tour history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Who is D. Gukesh?
D. Gukesh is an Indian chess grandmaster from Chennai. He became India’s youngest GM in 2019 and rose to international prominence by defeating top players including Magnus Carlsen. He is the reigning World Chess Champion as of 2024.
Q2. What is the SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz Tournament?
It’s one of the flagship events under the Grand Chess Tour, combining two formats – rapid and blitz – played over several days. Held in Zagreb, it features the world’s top chess players.
Q3. How did Gukesh win the Rapid section in 2025?
He scored 14 points out of 18 in 9 rounds (2 points per win), defeating top players like Carlsen, So, and Nepomniachtchi. His five-game win streak and dominant play earned him the top spot.
Q4. Is this Gukesh’s biggest achievement?
While Gukesh’s 2024 World Championship win is historically his biggest milestone, this victory proves his dominance across multiple formats and reaffirms his world-class consistency.
Q5. Who were the top contenders Gukesh defeated in this tournament?
- Magnus Carlsen (ex-World Champion)
- Wesley So
- Alireza Firouzja
- Ian Nepomniachtchi
- Maxime Vachier-Lagrave
Q6. Where is Gukesh ranked in the world?
As of July 2025, Gukesh is World No. 1 in classical, and currently rising in rapid and blitz rankings as well.
Q7. How can I watch the Blitz segment live?
You can follow live broadcasts on platforms like chess.com and the Grand Chess Tour official website, which stream games with commentary.
Final Thoughts: A Star Rises Higher
What makes Gukesh’s win in Zagreb so special isn’t just the names he beat, but how he played – cool under pressure, deep in preparation, and hungry to win. At just 19, he is leading by example, redefining how young talent from India can dominate world stages.
He’s not just the future of Indian chess – he is the present.
Hi, I’m Prashant Jain — a curious soul, storyteller, and content creator at heart.I’ve always been drawn to the world of entertainment, travel, sports, health & lifestyle — not just as a writer, but as someone who genuinely lives these experiences. Whether I’m binge-watching the latest OTT series, exploring offbeat spiritual destinations in India, or diving deep into wellness routines and cricket match insights, I love sharing what I discover with like-minded readers.
PopNewsBlend is my way of blending personal journeys with meaningful stories — ones that inform, inspire, and keep you ahead of the curve. Everything I write comes from real observations, hands-on experiences, and a deep passion for understanding the world around us.
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