Gukesh Dommaraju Tops the Table with Commanding Win
D Gukesh, the reigning World Champion in classical chess, continues to cement his legacy as a rising superstar in all formats of the game. On Friday, during the final round of the rapid section of the Grand Chess Tour’s SuperUnited Croatia Rapid & Blitz 2025 tournament in Zagreb, the young Indian prodigy delivered a resounding victory over American Grandmaster Wesley So. This dominant win allowed Gukesh to surge ahead at the top of the leaderboard, underlining his increasing dominance in the faster formats of chess.
A Star Performance in the Rapid Format
Despite being primarily celebrated for his accomplishments in classical chess, Gukesh has steadily built a formidable reputation in rapid and blitz events as well. In the ninth and final round of the rapid portion of the SuperUnited tournament, Gukesh showcased sharp preparation and clinical precision to defeat Wesley So, a veteran of elite rapid play.
The win took Gukesh’s total to 14 points from 9 rounds, putting him comfortably at the top of the standings. His performance was not just about consistency, but sheer dominance—often taking control of the game from the opening and converting even slight advantages with maturity well beyond his years.
The Chase Behind: Duda and Carlsen Trail
Polish Grandmaster Jan-Krzysztof Duda is currently holding second place with 11 points, having delivered a solid performance through the rapid rounds. Duda, known for his sharp tactical play, remains a strong contender as the blitz rounds approach.
Meanwhile, former World Champion and global chess icon Magnus Carlsen is lurking close behind. Although he did not dominate the rapid section as he often does, his experience and flair for blitz chess make him a serious threat going into the next phase of the event.
A Pivotal Win Against Wesley So
Wesley So is known for his rock-solid style and rarely goes down without a fight. That makes Gukesh’s win even more impressive. Gukesh chose a dynamic line in the opening, putting immediate pressure on So’s position. Throughout the game, he maintained his advantage and demonstrated exceptional endgame technique to convert it into a full point.
The result was a clear signal to the chess world that Gukesh is not just a classical chess phenomenon but a well-rounded player capable of toppling the best in any format.
Youth Leading the Way
At just 19 years old, Gukesh holds the distinction of being the youngest ever Classical World Chess Champion, having dethroned legends to reach the summit. His recent performances in rapid and blitz formats show that his game is evolving rapidly to meet the multifaceted demands of modern chess.
His preparation, mental resilience, and speed of calculation have made him one of the most feared opponents in the world. With his victory over So, Gukesh not only increased his lead but also made a statement ahead of the blitz segment.
Tournament Overview: SuperUnited Croatia Rapid & Blitz 2025
The SuperUnited Croatia Rapid & Blitz is one of the key stops on the Grand Chess Tour 2025, attracting top-tier global talent. Held in Zagreb, Croatia, the event features a mixed format of rapid and blitz games, testing a wide range of skills from long-term strategy to lightning-fast calculation.
The tournament is structured with nine rapid rounds followed by eighteen blitz rounds, using the standard Grand Chess Tour scoring system—2 points for a win and 1 for a draw in rapid, and 1 point for a win, 0.5 for a draw in blitz.
What’s Next: Blitz Segment Begins
With the rapid section now concluded, all eyes are on the upcoming blitz rounds. While Gukesh enjoys a solid lead, the blitz format is known for its unpredictability. Players like Carlsen and So, both considered elite blitz specialists, will be looking to bounce back and close the gap.
Gukesh, however, has been working tirelessly on improving his blitz prowess. His recent online performances and over-the-board blitz games suggest he is ready for the challenge. If he maintains the momentum from the rapid rounds, the young champion could very well walk away with the title.
Gukesh’s Journey: From Prodigy to Powerhouse
D Gukesh’s rise in the chess world has been nothing short of meteoric. Starting his journey as a child prodigy, he quickly climbed the ranks to become one of India’s brightest talents. His World Championship win earlier this year was a landmark moment not only for him but also for Indian chess as a whole.
Now, with a dominant showing at the Grand Chess Tour event, Gukesh is building a new narrative—one where he is no longer just the young challenger, but a leader in the elite circuit, across formats.
Final Thoughts
The Grand Chess Tour 2025 is heating up, and Gukesh’s performance in the rapid section has already made it a tournament to remember. His blend of youthful energy, deep preparation, and strategic clarity is proving difficult for even the most experienced players to counter.
As the blitz rounds commence, fans around the world will be watching closely. Can Gukesh hold on to his lead and secure another title on the international stage? If his rapid performance is any indication, the answer may very well be yes.