World Champ D Gukesh clinches rapid title at GCT 2025 Zagreb

D Gukesh Clinches Rapid Title at Grand Chess Tour 2025 in Zagreb

Reigning World Champion D. Gukesh stamped his authority on the global chess stage once again by winning the rapid section of the SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz tournament, part of the prestigious 2025 Grand Chess Tour, held in Zagreb, Croatia, on Friday.

The 19-year-old Indian prodigy finished with an impressive 14 points out of 18, displaying exceptional tactical acumen, mental resilience, and composure under pressure throughout the three-day event.

🔥 A Champion’s Comeback

Gukesh's campaign began with a first-round setback, losing to Poland’s Jan-Krzysztof Duda. But instead of faltering, the defeat sparked a sensational comeback. He went on to notch five consecutive wins, including a commanding victory over World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen in Round 4 — a performance that shifted the tournament's momentum in Gukesh’s favor.

He capped off the rapid leg with a clinical 36-move victory over Wesley So, capitalizing on a tactical blunder to secure the full two points and seal the title. Gukesh’s final tally included six wins, two draws, and one loss — a dominant showing that reflected his growing maturity and consistency.

♟️ Final Day Highlights

Gukesh opened Day 3 with a quiet draw against Anish Giri, followed by a marathon 87-move draw with Ivan Aric.

Carlsen, who started the final day with a win over Fabiano Caruana, couldn’t keep pace after a draw against Nodirbek Abdusattorov.

Duda, the only player to defeat Gukesh in the event, finished second after a strong and consistent showing.

🇮🇳 Other Indian Performances

India’s R. Praggnanandhaa had a relatively quiet outing in Zagreb. He secured one win against Aric and drew seven games, ending the rapid section with nine points. Despite the slow start, Pragg remains a top contender in the overall tour standings, having previously won in Bucharest and finished third in Warsaw.

🏆 What’s Next

The blitz section of the event begins on Saturday, July 5, and will run till July 6. The combined points from the rapid and blitz formats will determine the overall champion of the Zagreb leg.

With two more tour stops ahead — in the USA (August) and Brazil (September–October) — Gukesh’s commanding performance in Zagreb could prove pivotal in the race for the Grand Chess Tour 2025 title.

This victory marks yet another milestone in Indian chess, reinforcing Gukesh’s status as not just a rising star, but a dominant force in world chess.