This is the lowest winning score in a GCT rapid and blitz event since Fabiano Caruana's 21 points in Saint Louis, USA in 2023. Carlsen himself admitted he wasn't at his best in Zagreb.

"When no one plays great, my B-game is often enough to win," the Norwegian grandmaster wrote on X. "But I always strive for more."

Magnus Carlsen with the Grand Chess Tour trophy in Zagreb, Croatia, 6/7/2025. *Photo: GCT/Lennart Ootes*

On the final day of competition, Carlsen won two games, drew 6, and lost 1, earning 5 points. His closest rivals entering the final day, Jan-Krzysztof Duda and Gukesh Dommaraju, only managed to gain 3 and 4 points respectively, unable to challenge the 34-year-old champion.

With 5.5 points on 6/7, Filipino-American Wesley So climbed to second place overall with 20 points. Nodirbek Abdusattorov had the most impressive day, scoring 7 points including a victory against Carlsen. However, the Uzbek grandmaster finished 6th overall with 18 points.

World Champion Gukesh played better than on 5/7, but still only finished third with 19.5 points. His match against Carlsen on the penultimate day ended in a quick draw, which was somewhat disappointing. His final day performance helped the Indian grandmaster return to the top 100 blitz rankings.

Over the 5 days of competition, from 2/7 to 6/7, Carlsen was only satisfied with his performance on 5/7. "But it was enough to win," he added. "The level of the players in this tournament was quite balanced, and no one really stood out. I don't really feel like I won. I just feel like I came to Zagreb, played decently, and no one did anything special."

Carlsen received 40,000 USD for his victory. Wesley So took home 30,000 USD for second place. Host player Ivan Saric finished last with 13 points, earning 7,500 USD.

Final Standings.

Following this tournament, Carlsen will participate in Freestyle Chess in Las Vegas, USA, from 16/7 to 20/7. He will then travel to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for the esports World Cup.

Xuan Binh