Gukesh won’t be favourite in next World Championship if Nakamura, Caruana or Nepomniachtchi wins Candidates, says Magnus Carlsen
Magnus Carlsen opined that reigning world champion D Gukesh won’t be the favourite to defend his title, if one of the experienced trio of Hikaru Nakamura, Fabiano Caruana or Ian Nepomniachtchi claims the challenger spot through the Candidates.
Carlsen, a five-time world champion, was responding to a question on Nakaumura’s chances of winning the world title
“I think if Hikaru (Nakamura) or Fabi (Caruana), or probably Nepo (Ian Nepomniachtchi) for that matter, win the Candidates they would be, at the moment, they would be a favorite in a match against Gukesh. Hikaru’s come close twice. He’s still extremely good so there’s no reason why he couldn’t, Carlsen told Chess24, from the sidelines of Norway Chess 2025.
Gukesh became the world champion after beating Ding Liren in the final. The Indian GM earned his spot in the summit clash after claiming the Candidates title, where he outperformed a field which included Nakamura, Caruana and Nepomniachtchi.
In the ongoing Norway Chess event, going into the final round, Gukesh is second, ahead of Nakamura and Caruana. Carlsen leads his home event with 15 points.
Earlier in the tournament, Gukesh had bagged a remarkable turnaround win against Carlsen, his first victory against the Norwegian in the classical format.
Magnus Carlsen from Norway, left, and Gukesh Dommaraju from India during the first game of Norway Chess.
| Photo Credit:
CARINA JOHANSEN/AP
Magnus Carlsen from Norway, left, and Gukesh Dommaraju from India during the first game of Norway Chess.
| Photo Credit:
CARINA JOHANSEN/AP
Speaking after his ninth-round win over Caruana, Carlsen acknowledged the impact of that defeat against Gukesh on his vision for a perfect tournament.
“Honestly, it could have meant a lot to me if I had finished off the game against Gukesh and then played a really good tournament. Now, regardless of what happens, it would kind of be like a bit of stumbling into a win.
There is a very good chance that I don’t win the tournament, but it honestly wouldn’t make that big of a difference to me. The dream of playing a really good tournament burst with that game. Of course I want to win, but it’s not that important,” said Carlsen.
The 34-year-old admitted that he was on the lookout for achieving a score that would emphasise how far ahead of the rest he is.
“I wanted a score that reflects the fact I think I’m still significantly better at chess and since I couldn’t achieve that, a potential tournament win would not mean as much,” added Carlsen.