- D. Gukesh wins Grand Chess Tour 2025 Rapid event in Croatia with 14 points.
- Defeats Magnus Carlsen and Wesley So in a strong comeback performance.
- Indian dominance continues as Praggnanandhaa also finishes in the top 5.
India’s chess prodigy and reigning world champion D. Gukesh delivered a masterclass in resilience and strategy at the Grand Chess Tour 2025 in Zagreb, storming back from an opening-round loss to claim the Rapid title.
Gukesh concluded the Rapid segment with a commanding 14 out of 18 points, ahead of Poland’s Jan-Krzysztof Duda (11 points) and Carlsen (10 points). Fellow Indian star R. Praggnanandhaa tied for fourth with American GM Fabiano Caruana, both ending on 9 points.
Teen Titan Gukesh Outpaces Chess Giants to Clinch Zagreb Rapid Victory
Gukesh’s path to victory wasn’t smooth, as he stumbled early against Duda in round one. But showing remarkable composure under pressure, he rebounded swiftly and racked up win after win, including his second career triumph over Carlsen in recent months—solidifying his growing dominance in elite circles.
This year’s Grand Chess Tour has highlighted India’s rising influence in global chess. Following Praggnanandhaa’s title in Bucharest and third-place finish in Warsaw, Gukesh’s victory in Zagreb adds another major milestone to Indian chess history. The duo has consistently challenged traditional powerhouses like the U.S., Norway, and Russia.
The upcoming Blitz segment, scheduled for July 5–6, promises fast-paced, unpredictable drama. With four of the world’s top five players—Gukesh, Carlsen, Caruana, and Praggnanandhaa—in the mix, the battle for the combined title is wide open. All eyes are now on Gukesh, whose form suggests he could dominate both formats.
The GCT 2025 calendar continues with two U.S. legs in August and a year-end finale in Brazil, combining classical, rapid, and blitz formats. Gukesh’s victory in Zagreb not only boosts his individual standing but also symbolizes a broader generational shift in the chess world, led by confident, tactically advanced young players.
Gukesh’s commanding triumph in Zagreb reinforces his status as a trailblazer for a new wave of chess champions, proving age is no barrier to brilliance.
“Every champion was once a contender that refused to give up.” — Rocky Balboa
