Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis after D Gukesh beat Magnus Carlsen: ‘I feel for Magnus here, but…’

Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis has responded to D Gukesh’s win over Magnus Carlsen in the 2025 Norway Chess tournament. Taking to microblogging platform X (formerly Twitter), Hassabis said “Chess is a much more intense game than people realise”. In his post, DeepMind CEO also sympathized with Carlsen, stating “I feel for Magnus here (he was winning earlier), but congrats also to Gukesh!”.

Hassabi’s post came after Gukesh scored his first-ever classical victory over Carlsen in a dramatic sixth-round game of the ongoing 2025 Norway Chess tournament. Although Carlsen had a better position for most of the match, a late error allowed Gukesh to turn the tables and mark his first win against the world chess champion. Carlsen’s reaction—slamming the table and leaving without addressing the media— in contrast with Gukesh’s calm demeanor has been widely shared and discussed online.

Anand Mahindra reacts to D Gukesh’s win

Billionaire Anand Mahindra also praised Gukesh through an X post. Mahindra highlighted the emotional weight of the moment, noting how Gukesh’s composed reaction stood in stark contrast to Carlsen’s visible frustration after the loss. He wrote: “Carlsen’s visible frustration at the end wasn’t just a tantrum — it was the greatest compliment the World Champion could receive from the GOAT No fist pump. No smirk. Gukesh didn’t need one. His silence roared louder than Carlsen’s exit.”Meanwhile, the Norway Chess tournament continues. Earlier today, Gukesh beat compatriot Arjun Erigaisi for the first time ever, jumping to second position after round 7 of the tournament. This was also Gukesh’s first win in three games against Erigaisi, who had defeated the world champion at the Tata Steel Chess tournament in Wijk aan Zee — hurting his title chances — and beat him again in Round 2 of this event.