‘Only reason to do this is to get on social media’: Vishy Anand slams Magnus Carlsen for heated reaction after Gukesh loss

Five-time World Champion Magnus Carlsen’s shocking defeat to Indian teenage Grandmaster D Gukesh at the 2025 Norway Chess created a huge storm online. It wasn’t just the loss that went viral, but Carlsen’s dramatic reaction.

Carlsen, who was completely dominating the game, made a huge blunder near the end and gifted Gukesh a comeback win. In frustration, the Norwegian legend slammed the table, and that clip went viral on social media.

Indian legend Viswanathan Anand, who is the current Deputy President of FIDE, shared his thoughts on Carlsen’s reaction while speaking to Chess.com. Anand said the loss was tough for the World No. 1 because he had the game fully under control.

“I would not call this totally undeserved (win for Gukesh). Magnus is famous for converting things perfectly. So he of all people should know (how to win this). But of course Gukesh was lucky that he could even survive this far. Magnus was basically 99% of the way. It’s like falling and injuring yourself 2 metres before the finish line. That’s what happened to him,” Anand said.

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Anand said he understood why Carlsen was so angry and that the table slam showed fans the emotions chess players go through. “He was so angry that he hit the table. Quite understandable and even in a sporting sense he just produced a moment where everyone could see what what chess players are going through. People have this fixed image of chess players being very serious and suddenly they see emotions and enjoy it. So also it helps us break some stereotypes,” he added.

Anand slams Carlsen’s reaction

However, Anand also questioned Carlsen’s motive for such an over-the-top reaction. “There was no point doing it. There weren’t 20 cameras pointed at you. So what’s the point? The only reason to do this is to get on social media now.”

“Even many non-Indians have seen this. So clearly they enjoy seeing chess players do that. I enjoyed it as well because you know it’s drama. From Magnus’s perspective also I understand it very well. He was winning the game. He wanted to beat Gukesh in a sporting sense. He wanted to really show and he had the opportunity in the palm of his hands. He was going to beat him twice at Norway Chess in two games and make a point.”

Carlsen had beaten Gukesh in the opening round of Norway Chess but then suffered this dramatic loss in Round 6. Despite the heartbreak, Carlsen went on to win the event, while Gukesh finished third. It is important to note that Gukesh is the current World Champion but still hasn’t been able to overcome the Carlsen challenge.