Carlsen Triumphs, Erigaisi Soars, and Bullet Chess Returns
The first half of 2025 has seen seismic shifts in the chess world – from Magnus Carlsen’s dramatic victory at Norway Chess to Arjun Erigaisi’s rise atop India’s rankings, and the upcoming 2025 Bullet Chess Championship igniting fast-paced competition online. As the Global Chess League continues to champion global innovation, these stories reflect the emerging talent, generational change, and evolving formats that are reshaping the game.
Carlsen Clinches Norway Chess
Magnus Carlsen has secured a record-extending seventh title at Norway Chess, narrowly defeating Fabiano Caruana 16–15.5 – and finishing ahead of world champion D Gukesh (14.5). His win was not without drama: after a crushing defeat to Gukesh in Round 6 – a game that saw one of the rare table‑slamming reactions by the world No. 1 – Carlsen rebounded to regain the top position.
Despite his dominance, Carlsen admitted he “no longer enjoys classical chess” and implied that this may well be his final classical tournament. Though he praised the format, he stated that “none of them [Gukesh, Arjun, Pragg, or Aravindh] are ready to take over” just yet. His mixed reflections mark a pivotal moment: the old guard holds on tightly, even as the new wave of talent looms large.
Arjun Erigaisi Overtakes Gukesh in FIDE Rankings
Arjun Erigaisi, already a standout performer at Norway Chess (finishing 5th), has surpassed D Gukesh to become India’s top-ranked player, with an Elo rating above 2,780. Once reaching a peak of 2,801 in December 2024, Erigaisi’s latest surge continues a meteoric rise that began with his youthful blitz success.
His climb to India No. 1 is a testament to his consistency and strategic depth, showing that he’s more than ready to join the ranks of chess’s elite.
Anand’s Steady Return and Freedom Team’s World Title Bid
Five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand is set to return at the World Rapid & Blitz Team Championship in London (June 10–16), playing for the “Freedom Team” under FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky. The tournament features historic teams like “WR Chess” – captained by Ian Nepomniachtchi and including Pragg, Hou Yifan, and others.
Anand’s inclusion brings veteran savvy and adds strategic weight to the team as it vies for a global rapid‑blitz crown.
Bullet Chess Championship Returns
This June, Chess.com will host its high-octane $50,000 Bullet Chess Championship, featuring eight top invitees like Alireza Firouzja (reigning champion) and elite qualifiers. Played in a 16-player double‑elimination bracket, this tournament will be a readable battlefield as much on skill as on speed.
The return of this elite bullet event underscores a growing appetite for ultra-fast formats – appealing to both competitive thrill-seekers and digital-native audiences.
The early months of 2025 have revealed a captivating tapestry in chess: Carlsen’s final classical stand, Erigaisi’s rise to national No.1, Anand’s return to elite team competition, and the resurgence of bullet chess. Every development highlights key narratives – legendary legacy, rising talent, cross-format versatility, and technological appeal.
As the chess calendar transitions into rapid, blitz, and bullet, these milestones promise to shape a vibrant, evolving season. The Global Chess League remains committed to showcasing chess as a living sport: rooted in tradition, invigorated by new voices, and always ready for the next move.
