
OpenAI o3 Defeats Grok 4 in Chess, Carlsen Says ‘Grok Learnt Theory & Knows Nothing Else’
The world of artificial intelligence (AI) has been abuzz with the latest developments in the realm of chess. In a recent exhibition tournament, OpenAI’s o3 defeated Elon Musk-owned xAI’s Grok 4 with a convincing 4-0 score. This victory marks a significant milestone in the ongoing AI chess rivalry, with o3 showcasing its superior abilities against its rival.
The tournament, which took place in 2025, saw o3, led by Sam Altman, face off against Grok 4, owned by Elon Musk. The match was highly anticipated, with many expecting a fierce competition between the two AI chess engines. However, o3 proved to be the dominant force, winning all four games with ease.
Reacting to the match, world number one chess player Magnus Carlsen had a few choice words about Grok 4’s performance. When a Grok 4 move was analyzed during its match with o3, Carlsen quipped, “There’s always that one guy…who’s learnt theory and literally knows nothing else.” This comment suggests that Carlsen believes Grok 4 relies heavily on memorized theory, rather than understanding the game at a deeper level.
This sentiment is echoed by many experts in the field, who argue that AI chess engines like Grok 4 often rely on brute force calculations and memorization, rather than developing a true understanding of the game. o3, on the other hand, has been designed to think more like a human, using a combination of knowledge and intuition to make moves.
o3’s victory is not only a testament to its superior abilities but also a reflection of the progress being made in AI research. The engine has been trained on a vast amount of data, allowing it to learn and improve at an incredible rate. In addition to its victory against Grok 4, o3 has also defeated other notable AI chess engines, including o4 mini and Kimi K2 instruct.
The rivalry between OpenAI and xAI is not new, with both organizations having a long history of competing in the AI chess arena. However, this latest match marks a significant turning point, with o3’s convincing victory serving as a major blow to Grok 4’s reputation.
For Elon Musk, this defeat is likely a setback, as he had previously touted Grok 4 as a potential game-changer in the world of AI. However, o3’s victory serves as a reminder that there is still much to be learned about AI and its capabilities.
The implications of this match extend beyond the world of chess, with the rivalry between OpenAI and xAI having significant implications for the future of AI research. As AI continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these two organizations continue to compete and push the boundaries of what is possible.
In conclusion, o3’s victory over Grok 4 is a significant milestone in the world of AI chess. The engine’s ability to think like a human and develop a deep understanding of the game sets it apart from its rivals, and its convincing victory is a testament to the progress being made in AI research.