Magnus Carlsen wins hearts and gives the GCL Player of the Match award to Vidita Gujrathi

Magnus Carlsen won hearts on Friday 11 September during the Global Chess League when he chose to present his Player Of The Match award to Vidit Gujrathi. This came right after defending champion Alpine APL Pipers defeated American Gambits 9-7 in the penultimate round of the FYERS tournament.

The world number one took the microphone immediately after accepting the award and said that although he was happy with the win, he did not deserve the award and wanted to give it to Vidit.

“To win, but I will say that even though I’m happy with the game and I’m happy with the win, I don’t deserve this man of the match as much as the man who won us the match, so I’d like to. Respectfully hand the trophy to Vidit,” Carlsen said.

Vidit responded to Carlsen’s gesture by saying that it was a special moment for him.

“This one is special. I’m getting credit from the GOAT herself! Thanks Magnus,” said Vidit on X. (Credit: Vidit Gujrathi X)

HOW THE MATCH HAPPENED

World No.1 Carlsen ended Javokhir Sindarov’s three-match winning streak while Vidit Gujrathi outlasted Daniil Dubov in a thrilling finish as defending champions Alpine APL Pipers beat FYERS American Gambits 9-7 in the penultimate round of the Global Chess League on Friday.

Both teams started the ninth round level on both match and game points, so the match was crucial in the fight to reach the final.

Carlsen dominated Candidates 2026 champion Sindarov on the icon board and maintained control throughout the contest before the Uzbek star retired after 36 moves. Nor’s performance earned him the Man of the Match award.

On the men’s Superstar board, Vidit and Dubov had a thrilling battle that ended up in a tough time crunch. The Indian grandmaster held his nerve in a marathon 96-move contest, effectively using his knight and extra pawn against Dubov’s rook to secure a crucial victory.

The result also saw the Pipers complete the double over the US Gambits as they boosted their bid for a place in the title race.

– The end

Published on:

11 Sep 2026 23:40 IST