Round 5 of Norway Chess 2025: Carlsen, Humpy Lead

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Round 5 of Norway Chess 2025 was packed with drama and surprises. All three classical games ended in draws, but the armageddon games delivered fireworks.

Carlsen Wins Armageddon Against Caruana

Magnus Carlsen defeated Fabiano Caruana in the armageddon game, playing with the black pieces. This helped him extend his overall lead in the Open section.

Carlsen practiced his aim on the rest day.

In the classical game, Caruana had a chance to win but missed a key move in time pressure. Carlsen admitted he wasn’t fully prepared for Caruana’s opening and had to improvise. Still, he defended well and escaped with a draw.

Carlsen’s wife Ella replaced Sara Khadem, who was sick during the rest day.

In armageddon, Carlsen took control early. Caruana sacrificed one pawn, then another, and then blundered a third. Carlsen quickly capitalized and won the game.

Nakamura Blunders, Arjun Takes the Win

Arjun “No Slip” Erigaisi lassoed the extra half-point.

Hikaru Nakamura had clear winning chances in both the classical and armageddon games against Arjun Erigaisi. But luck wasn’t on his side.

Nakamura was nicknamed the “Blitz Bandit”.

In the first game, Arjun sacrificed a pawn but Nakamura couldn’t convert his advantage. In armageddon, Nakamura made a major blunder by playing 41…Rf6?? instantly. Arjun took the win, and Nakamura was left regretting his mistake.

You can check out Nakamura’s recap video below

Wei Yi Beats Gukesh in Armageddon

Gukesh preferred his bishops over horses in the first game.

Yi and Gukesh D played a wild classical game. Wei had the edge in the middlegame, Gukesh nearly won in the endgame, but it ended in a draw.

Wei reportedly thanked the horse after his ride.

In armageddon, Wei came prepared. He attacked quickly and used the dark squares brilliantly. Gukesh collapsed under pressure, and Wei scored his third armageddon win—this time against the World Champion.

Women’s Event

Humpy Takes Sole Lead

GM Koneru Humpy is now leading the Women’s Norway Chess 2025. She won her armageddon game against GM Lei Tingjie.

Meanwhile, GM Anna Muzychuk lost to GM Ju Wenjun, giving Humpy a clear lead.

Vaishali Scores First Classical Win

GM Vaishali Rameshbabu had only one armageddon win before this round. But in Round 5, she played a brilliant game against IM Sara Khadem and scored a full 3-point classical win.

Vaishali used a sharp home-prepared idea and outplayed her opponent. She said, “It was very smooth, and I didn’t give any chances.”

Ju Wenjun Dominates in Armageddon

GM Ju Wenjun has drawn all her classical games but has now won four out of five armageddon games. She beat Anna Muzychuk in armageddon and remains a top contender.

Round 6: Big Matches Ahead

Round 6 takes place on Sunday, June 1. The biggest matchup: Gukesh vs. Carlsen—a rematch of their Round 1 clash.

Fun at the Rest Day Rodeo

During the rest day, players visited a Wild West-themed village. They took part in rodeo games and got fun nicknames:

Gukesh: “Chennai Sharpshooter”
Ju Wenjun: “No-Loss Ju”
Carlsen: “The Lone GOAT”

Even past photos of Caruana milking cows made a return!

Photos: Michal Walusza, Maria Emelianova, Norway Chess
Source: CHESS.com

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