Magnus Carlsen Triumphs in Kolkata, Claims Blitz Title Amidst Heartwarming Gesture
Magnus Carlsen, widely celebrated as one of the greatest chess players in history, made waves in Kolkata with his stellar performance at a recent tournament. The World No. 1 secured the blitz title on Sunday, completing an impressive double after claiming the rapid title earlier. Carlsen showcased his brilliance by executing a dramatic comeback against Arjun Erigaisi in the penultimate round and sealed his victory by defeating Vidit Gujrathi in the final. With 13 points and three consecutive wins, Carlsen emerged as the undisputed blitz champion, further solidifying his dominance in the chess world.
Yet, it wasn’t just his on-board prowess that garnered attention—Carlsen’s off-the-board interaction during the tournament’s closing ceremony stole the spotlight. When asked to present the trophy to Bristy Mukherjee, the winner of the All India Women’s Rapid event, Mukherjee touched Carlsen’s feet as a mark of respect, seeking his blessings. Carlsen, visibly surprised by the gesture, blushed and grinned, humbly acknowledging the heartfelt moment. The chess community and fans in attendance were equally moved by this beautiful exchange, which highlighted the respect and admiration Carlsen commands beyond the chessboard.
Throughout the tournament, the atmosphere at Kolkata’s Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium was electric, with fans continuously surrounding Carlsen for a chance to meet the chess legend. His victory in Kolkata marked his second double win in the city, mirroring his success from 2019, adding to his growing legacy.
In the tournament’s final standings, Filipino-American Grandmaster Wesley So finished in second place, while Arjun Erigaisi claimed third. R Praggnanandhaa secured a respectable fourth place, with Vidit Gujrathi rounding out the top five.
Reflecting on his performance, Carlsen said, “It was a really, really nervy day. I was lucky that Wesley went on a big streak but couldn’t realistically catch me. Overall, the tournament win is good. The score is not great but very decent, so I’m happy.” Despite some challenges throughout the event, Carlsen’s determination and resilience led him to another triumph.
Looking ahead, Carlsen shared his upcoming plans: “I’m heading to Singapore in a few hours to promote Freestyle Chess with Fabiano Caruana. I’ll be playing a match with Fabi in a few days. It should be fun, and being a tourist at the World Chess Championship for a couple of days will be exciting.” This glimpse into Carlsen’s future endeavors reflects his continuous engagement with the broader chess community and his unyielding passion for the game.
This victory in Kolkata not only highlights Carlsen’s unparalleled skill and consistency but also emphasizes his humility and connection with fans and fellow players, making him a beloved figure in the world of chess.
