D. Gukesh, the newly crowned World Chess Champion, has been in the spotlight not only for his incredible chess skills but also for his gracious reaction to the viral memes sparked by Magnus Carlsen's now-infamous table slam. The incident, which occurred during the 2024 FIDE Candidates Tournament after Gukesh defeated Carlsen, saw the typically stoic Carlsen express his frustration with a loud bang on the table as he left the board. This moment was quickly seized upon by the internet, resulting in a meme frenzy that has captivated the chess world and beyond.
In a recent interview with ChessBase India, Gukesh was shown a compilation of these memes and his reaction was pure gold. He couldn't contain his laughter, especially when he saw the one that has since become his favorite. The meme features a calm cat sitting peacefully on a table, only to be startled into a frantic leap by Carlsen's sudden table slam.
"I was laughing for like 10 minutes," Gukesh said, still grinning at the memory. This genuine and lighthearted response has further endeared him to fans worldwide. The video of Gukesh reacting to the memes has gone viral, amassing millions of views and likes on social media platforms like Instagram.
The internet's creativity knows no bounds, and the Carlsen table slam memes are a testament to that. From adding dramatic music and jump-scare effects to incorporating the scene into various pop culture references, the meme-makers have truly outdone themselves. One user wrote, “My feed is still full of those memes.” Another one wrote, “omg I'm so glad we memed chess.”
Gukesh, however, sees the humor and positive side of the situation. He understands that these memes, while poking fun at a moment of frustration, also serve to draw more attention to the game of chess. "It's not only about the moves," Gukesh noted in another interview. "Some people get attracted to the emotions, and all the memes and stuff really help. I'm glad I could contribute."
Even chess legend Viswanathan Anand weighed in on Carlsen's emotional response, suggesting that the match against Gukesh held particular significance for the former world champion. Anand believed Carlsen wanted to assert his dominance against the younger generation of chess players, and the loss was a blow to that ambition.
While Carlsen's table slam might have initially been seen as a sign of frustration, it has inadvertently become a gift to the chess community, providing endless entertainment and sparking conversations about the game. And Gukesh, with his sporting attitude and infectious laughter, has played a key role in embracing the meme culture and turning a potentially negative moment into a positive one for chess.
