OpenAI o3 defeats Grok 4 in chess, Carlsen says ‘Grok learnt theory & knows nothing else’
The world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and chess has witnessed a significant development with the recent exhibition tournament between OpenAI o3 and Elon Musk-owned xAI’s Grok 4. The much-anticipated match ended with OpenAI’s o3 emerging victorious, winning 4-0 against Grok 4. This defeat has sparked a lively debate, with world number one chess player Magnus Carlsen weighing in on the performance of Grok 4.
The AI Chess Exhibition Tournament 2025, which took place recently, saw OpenAI o3, led by Sam Altman, face off against xAI’s Grok 4, owned by Elon Musk. The tournament was a unique opportunity for these AI-powered chess engines to showcase their skills against each other. In a stunning display of dominance, OpenAI o3 dominated the competition, defeating not only Grok 4 but also o4 mini and Kimi K2 instruct in other matches.
However, it was a particular move by Grok 4 during its match with o3 that caught the attention of Magnus Carlsen, widely regarded as one of the greatest chess players of all time. Reacting to the move, Carlsen said, “There’s always that one guy…who’s learnt theory and literally knows nothing else.” This comment has sparked a heated debate, with many interpreting it as a subtle dig at Grok 4’s performance.
Carlsen’s statement seems to suggest that Grok 4 is relying too heavily on its theoretical knowledge of chess, rather than developing a deeper understanding of the game. This is not the first time that Carlsen has spoken out about the limitations of AI-powered chess engines. In a previous interview, he expressed concerns about the potential impact of AI on the game, stating that it could lead to a decline in human chess players’ skills.
Grok 4’s defeat has also raised questions about the limitations of AI-powered chess engines. Despite being owned by Elon Musk, who is known for his innovative approach to AI development, Grok 4’s performance was disappointing. This has led many to wonder whether AI-powered chess engines are truly capable of competing with human chess players, or if they are simply relying on their theoretical knowledge to make moves.
OpenAI o3’s victory, on the other hand, has reinforced its position as a leading AI-powered chess engine. Developed by Sam Altman, OpenAI o3 has consistently demonstrated its skills in various chess tournaments, including the AI Chess Exhibition Tournament 2025. Its ability to adapt to different playing styles and situations has been a key factor in its success.
In conclusion, the recent exhibition tournament between OpenAI o3 and Grok 4 has highlighted the limitations of AI-powered chess engines. While they may be able to process vast amounts of data and make complex calculations, they still lack the creativity and intuition that human chess players bring to the game. The debate sparked by Magnus Carlsen’s comment has raised important questions about the future of chess and the role of AI in the game.
