India’s teenage chess prodigy, D. Gukesh, crowned his conquest of rapid title winner by winning the Grand Chess Tour 2025 rapid title in Zagreb, Croatia. The 19-year-old reigning world champion, who is already one of the hottest talents in world chess, display fully at the tour’s SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz stage grit and class by scoring 14 points from 18 points on offer.
From Spoiler to Champion Gukesh might not have wanted to waken up and play the first round in a chess tournament with a loss to Poland’s Jan-Krzysztof Duda, a former World Cup champion and among the most solid players on the tour. For some players, an early loss, especially against a strong player might begin to shake their confidence. However, for Gukesh, it was the spark that led to him going on such a good run.
For a Grandmaster so young, Gukesh showed great maturity by rebounding to then reel off 5 straight wins, in particular a convincing win against the World No 1 – Magnus Carlsen, in the fourth round. That was the key message to the field as it separated Gukesh from the players playing for second. He was not there to make up the numbers for an event like this.
In the pursuit of his rapid crown, Gukesh produced 6 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss before his final round convincing ever over Wesley So of the USA. Gukesh’s last round win demonstrated a high level of control and calculation. In a remarkable 36-move win, executed by taking a minor tactical opportunity to convert a small advantage to win convincingly, to secure the title with style.On the last day of the rapid format, Gukesh began with a draw against Anish Giri; a match that was never out of balance, and ended with a handshake and what was basically an equal middlegame. His next match, his opponent was local favourite Ivan Aric, where Gukesh played the aggressive Marshall Gambit (in a rush he had entered the tournament only four days prior) on his way to a long 87 move draw which showed Gukesh’s endurance and fighting spirit.
Key competitors and results,
Although Gukesh was the star, there was the rest of the field all putting on an intense show. Jan-Krzysztof Duda was the only person to legitimately beat Gukesh and hath hone consistent throughout the tournament, finishing second. In fact Jan-Krzysztof Duda’s consistent days of play were what gave each round a seriously title race until the last game of the tournament.
Magnus Carlsen had his moments too (including a wonderful win over Fabiano Caruana), but could never mount a serious threat. The crucial draw against Nodirbek Abdusattorov derailed any motivation on the last on the last day to fight for any title.
The other bright star from India R. Praggnanandhaa had a less eventful tournament. The e.eight-year-old finished on 9 points, with 1 win (against Aric), 7 draws, and 1 loss. Although he was caught off guard by the pace in Zagreb, there is no denying Pragg’s overall Grand Chess Tour has been terrific sponsor. He has already won the Bucharest leg and placed 3rd in Warsaw, he is still competitive for the overall title.
The Big Picture: A Historical Year For Gukesh
Winning in Zagreb is another milestone in what is sure to be a break out year for D. Gukesh. Having already been crowned World Champion earlier in 2025, that rapid title win further cements his position not just as a prodigy but as a genuine contender in every form of the game.
The difficulty of the opponents he has beaten makes Gukesh’s achievement even more impressive. He has taken down legends in Carlsen, drawn a solid game with top GMs, such as Giri, and demonstrated maturity in the endgame during many long battles—all traits that make a well-rounded, modern chess player in today’s game.
As he further develops, the level of strategic thinking, time management, and versatility in his game is drawing comparisons with great names in chess history.
What Comes Next: Blitz and Beyond
You will be glad to hear that the action in Zagreb is not yet finished! The blitz section of the SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz begins on Saturday and runs until July 6. Points from both forms of chess (rapid and blitz) will be accumulated to determine the overall winner of the Zagreb leg.
With only two more stops remaining in the 2025 Grand Chess Tour– one stop in the US in August then Brazil between September and October– the race for the overall is heating up with Gukesh in outstanding form, and surely must be the man to beat.
The Rise of Indian Chess
India has never had so many representatives, of elite chess look so promising. Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, and Nihal Sarin all consistently compete against the best players in the world and represent a new era of chess. This victory is more than a personal victory for Gukesh, it feels like a part of India’s growing dominance in the international chess scene.
At just 19, Gukesh is already inspiring a generation. His games are watched, followed and analysed by millions of children in India. The steely, calm, calculated and fearless approach to the game, can appreciate how new generations will view talent in the game.