World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju answered the question of whether Magnus Carlsen would bang the table in their game at Norway Chess 2026. Gukesh explains that it is out of his control, and says that chess players expressing emotion are fun to watch.

Gukesh Dommaraju

Gukesh Dommaraju

World Champion

“Will Magnus bang his table again? My job is to play chess. That’s out of my control…

Chess players generally don’t show a lot of emotion, but when it did happen, a lot of people got attracted to chess.

I feel it’s a great moment for chess. And I also think that chess players who generally express more emotion are fun to watch.”

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 and Gukesh Dommaraju participate in the event and will play their games on May 28 and June 5.