Gukesh vs Carlsen: All You Need to Know About Norway Chess 2025 Final Round, Points Format & Tiebreakers

India’s D Gukesh heads into the final round of Norway Chess 2025 in striking distance of his first title at the prestigious tournament. The 18-year-old World Champion sits second with 14.5 points, just behind Norway’s Magnus Carlsen, who leads with 15.

In the final round, Gukesh faces USA’s Fabiano Caruana, while Carlsen takes on India’s Arjun Erigaisi. Both Gukesh and Carlsen will play with black pieces.

Points System (Norway Chess 2025 – Armageddon format):

• Classical win: 3 points
• Classical loss: 0 points
• Draw + Armageddon win: 1.5 points
• Draw + Armageddon loss: 1 point

How Gukesh Can Win the Title:

•  Gukesh wins classical, Carlsen goes to Armageddon → Gukesh wins title
•  Gukesh wins in Armageddon, Carlsen loses classical → Gukesh wins title
•  Gukesh loses in Armageddon, Carlsen loses classical → Gukesh wins title
•  Gukesh loses classical → Gukesh out of the title race
•  Both go to Armageddon, Gukesh wins, Carlsen loses → Points tied → Playoff match

Caruana (12.5 pts) and Nakamura (13 pts) are still in contention but need classical wins and favorable results elsewhere.

If two players tie on points, a blitz playoff (3+2 format) will decide the champion, followed by Armageddon if needed.