Magnus Carlsen Slams Table in Frustration After Losing Against Arjun Erigaisi In Ninth Round of World Blitz Championship 2025 (Watch Video)
This victory propelled Erigaisi to the top of the leaderboard with 8.5/10 points at the end of the first day of the blitz competition, following his bronze medal finish in the World Rapid Championship just a day earlier. The outcome underscored Erigaisi's tactical prowess and ability to perform under pressure against the sport's top player.
In a significant upset at the FIDE World Blitz Chess Championship 2025 in Doha, Qatar, Indian Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi defeated world number one Magnus Carlsen during the ninth round on Monday, December 29, 2025. The pivotal match took place in the ninth round, where Magnus Carlsen, representing Norway, faced off against India's Arjun Erigaisi. This victory propelled Erigaisi to the top of the leaderboard with 8.5/10 points at the end of the first day of the blitz competition, following his bronze medal finish in the World Rapid Championship just a day earlier. The outcome underscored Erigaisi's tactical prowess and ability to perform under pressure against the sport's top player. PM Narendra Modi Congratulates Arjun Erigaisi and Koneru Humpy on Clinching Bronze Medal at FIDE World Rapid Championship 2025.
Magnus Carlsen's Reaction and Past Incidents
Following the game's conclusion, Carlsen was observed slamming his hand onto the table, a clear indication of his disappointment and frustration with the result. While Carlsen is known for his intense competitive drive, such public displays of emotion, though rare, are not unprecedented. The incident highlights the high stakes and mental exertion involved in top-tier chess, even for a player of Carlsen's caliber.
Magnus Carlsen Slams Table
This is not the first occasion of Carlsen performing such act. Carlsen slammed his fist on the table after losing to D Gukesh in the sixth round of the Norway Chess 2025 tournament earlier in June. The outburst occurred after Carlsen committed a critical endgame blunder in a winning position, allowing the 19-year-old Indian prodigy to secure his first-ever classical victory over the five-time world champion
Arjun Erigaisi's Ascendancy
For 22-year-old Arjun Erigaisi, the victory marks another significant milestone in his rapidly accelerating career. The Indian Grandmaster has been steadily climbing the international rankings, impressing observers with his aggressive yet precise style of play. Defeating Magnus Carlsen, particularly in a rapid format where Carlsen is often considered peerless, further solidifies Erigaisi's position as one of the most promising young talents in the global chess arena. This win contributes to a growing narrative of a new generation of Indian Grandmasters making their mark. Magnus Carlsen Expresses Frustration Post-Loss at FIDE World Rapid Championship 2025, World No 1 Player Pushes Cameraman Away While Exiting Hall (Watch Video).
Implications for the Chess World
The match and Carlsen's reaction serve as a reminder of the evolving landscape in professional chess. While Carlsen remains a dominant force, the emergence of talents like Erigaisi signals a deepening pool of formidable competitors. These encounters not only generate excitement among fans but also push the boundaries of strategic innovation, ensuring the sport remains dynamic and unpredictable at its highest levels. The incident will likely add another layer of intrigue to future matchups between the two players.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 29, 2025 10:17 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).