Gukesh on Carlsen’s Table Slam: ‘I Was Laughing for 10 Minutes’

The 2024 FIDE Candidates Tournament saw a viral moment, not for a brilliant chess move, but for an unexpected display of emotion from Magnus Carlsen. After a surprising loss to Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh, Carlsen reacted by slamming his hand on the table, an incident captured on camera and quickly spreading across social media. The game, part of round six, ended with Gukesh, then 17, achieving a decisive victory over the five-time world champion. While the chess world was taken aback, it was Carlsen’s outburst that became an internet sensation. The clip was soon transformed into numerous memes and video edits, some with upbeat music and others with humorous modifications. Gukesh himself responded to the viral moment, stating, “I was laughing for like 10 minutes.” He revealed a particular meme, featuring a relaxed cat reacting to Carlsen’s table slam, as his favorite. Gukesh has since continued to excel in his career, becoming the youngest ever World Chess Champion at the age of 17, with a FIDE rating of 2750, making him the youngest to reach that rating threshold and the third-youngest to surpass 2700 Elo.