Magnus Carlsen commented on his loss to Indian GM Praggnanandhaa R in the 3rd round of Norway Chess 2026. Carlsen says playing with time trouble annoys him, and compares this game to his loss to Gukesh Dommaraju at Norway Chess 2025.

Magnus Carlsen

Magnus Carlsen

World's No. 1

“Annoying…

I think that messing up in a complicated position with little time can happen regardless, but it doesn’t get any easier having had little time in two games on previous days here. It does get a bit heavier then. Right now, it feels mostly absurd.

It felt like it was practically a repeat of the game against Gukesh last year. I just missed one thing, and then I kind of panicked and lost within a few moves.”

Magnus Carlsen lost his second game to Gukesh Dommaraju at Norway Chess 2025. Magnus hit the table after the loss, and the clip of it became viral on social media. The situation spread beyond the chess community and became a popular meme.

The Norway Chess 2026 takes place from May 25 to June 5, at the Deichman Bjorvika public library, Oslo. Magnus Carlsen is in last place with 1.5/9 points after three rounds.

Credit: Michal Walusza / Norway Chess