Carlsen Dominates to Reclaim World Rapid Title as Indians Erigaisi and Humpy Secure Bronze

Norwegian grandmaster Magnus Carlsen has captured the FIDE World Rapid Chess Championship 2025, securing his sixth crown with a commanding performance in Doha.

In a competitive 13-round event featuring top global talent, Carlsen tallied 10.5 points out of 13. He clinched the title with a steady draw against Anish Giri in the final round, maintaining his lead over the field. The victory included 10 wins, two draws, and a single defeat in Round 7 to Vladislav Artemiev.

This triumph marks Carlsen’s return to the rapid throne after missing the defense last year in New York due to a controversy over dress code regulations.

Russian grandmaster Vladislav Artemiev, who had led for much of the tournament, finished second with 9.5 points. India’s Arjun Erigaisi claimed bronze, sharing 9.5 points in a tie for third with several players, including Hans Niemann. Erigaisi becomes the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to medal in the World Rapid Championship open section.

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Other Indian participants delivered respectable results but ended in the middle of the pack. Reigning classical world champion Gukesh Dommaraju placed 20th with 8.5 points after fading in the closing stages. Nihal Sarin finished 19th on the same score, while Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa took 28th.

In the women’s division, Koneru Humpy narrowly missed a third World Rapid title, earning bronze after tying for first. Aleksandra Goryachkina emerged as champion following a blitz playoff victory over China’s Zhu Jiner, who took silver. Humpy was edged out on tiebreak criteria involving opponents’ average ratings.

Carlsen now turns his attention to the upcoming World Blitz Championship 2025, aiming to extend his success. He shared the blitz title last year with Ian Nepomniachtchi.