Carlsen wins hearts, gives GCL Player of the Match award to Vidit Gujrathi

Magnus Carlsen won hearts on Friday, September 11, during the Global Chess League as he decided to hand over his Player Of The Match award to Vidit Gujrathi. This happened right after the defending champions Alpine APL Pipers beat FYERS American Gambits 9-7 in the penultimate round of the tournament.

The World No.1 took the mic right after he got the award and said that while he is happy with the win, he didn't deserve the accolade and wanted to pass it over to Vidit.

"To win, I will say though, that as much as I'm happy with the game and happy with the win, uh, I do not deserve this player of the match as much as the the man who who won us the match, so I would like to. Respectfully pass on the trophy to Vidit," said Carlsen."I do not deserve this 'player of the match [trophy]' as much as the man who won us the match," says Magnus Carlsen as he gives his trophy to Vidit Gujrathi.#TechMGCL #BeyondTheMove pic.twitter.com/X5PwY2SQbQ— chess24 (@chess24com) September 11, 2026

Vidit reacted to the gesture from Carlsen, saying that it was a special moment for him.

"This one is special. Getting appreciation from the G.O.A.T himself! Thanks Magnus," said Vidit on X. (Credit: Vidit Gujrathi X) HOW THE MATCH UNFOLDEDWorld No. 1 Carlsen brought an end to Javokhir Sindarov’s three-match winning run, while Vidit Gujrathi outlasted Daniil Dubov in a gripping endgame as defending champions Alpine APL Pipers defeated FYERS American Gambits 9-7 in the penultimate round of the Global Chess League on Friday.

The two teams had begun the ninth round level on both match and game points, making the contest crucial in the race for a place in the final.

Carlsen dominated Candidates 2026 champion Sindarov on the icon board, maintaining control throughout the contest before the Uzbek star resigned after 36 moves. The Norwegian's performance earned him the Player of the Match award.

On the Superstar men’s board, Vidit and Dubov were locked in a tense battle that eventually descended into severe time pressure. The Indian Grandmaster held his nerve in the marathon 96-move contest, making effective use of his extra knight and pawn against Dubov’s rook to secure a crucial win.

The result also saw the Pipers complete a double over the American Gambits as they strengthened their push for a place in the title clash.- EndsPublished By: alan johnPublished On: Sep 11, 2026 23:40 IST