Chess Champion's Table-Slamming Outburst After Stunning Defeat

Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen's Outburst After Defeat in Stavanger Stavanger, Norway – World chess champion Magnus Carlsen displayed a rare outburst of frustration during a classical game against rising star Gukesh Dommaraju at the Norway Chess tournament. The incident occurred on June 3rd, 2025, when Carlsen, visibly upset after losing, slammed his fist on the chess table. The video footage, originally reported by Reuters and adapted by ABC News Digital, shows the dramatic moment. The game itself was closely contested, with Carlsen appearing to have the upper hand for much of the match. However, a crucial blunder allowed Dommaraju to gain a significant advantage, ultimately leading to Carlsen's defeat. Following the loss, Carlsen's frustration boiled over, resulting in his dramatic display. He quickly composed himself, offering a handshake and apologizing for his outburst before leaving the table. Dommaraju, in a statement to Chess.com, downplayed the incident, stating, "It wasn't the win he wanted, but he'd banged a lot of tables in his career." This suggests that such reactions, while uncommon at the highest levels of chess, are not entirely unprecedented. The incident highlights the intense pressure and emotional toll of high-stakes chess competitions. While Carlsen's reaction was undoubtedly surprising, Dommaraju's calm response offers a counterpoint, underscoring the professionalism and sportsmanship that often prevail even in the face of defeat.