OpenAI o3 Defeats Grok 4 in Chess, Carlsen Says ‘Grok Learnt Theory & Knows Nothing Else’
The world of chess witnessed a remarkable match during the AI Chess Exhibition Tournament 2025, where OpenAI’s o3 defeated Elon Musk-owned xAI’s Grok 4 in a 4-0 victory. The outcome was not the most surprising, given the advanced capabilities of OpenAI’s AI-powered chess engine. However, what made the match even more interesting was the witty remark made by world number one chess player Magnus Carlsen during the tournament.
The AI Chess Exhibition Tournament 2025 brought together some of the most advanced AI-powered chess engines, including OpenAI’s o3, o4 mini, and Kimi K2 instruct, as well as Elon Musk’s xAI-powered Grok 4. The tournament was designed to showcase the capabilities of these AI engines and provide a platform for them to compete against each other.
The match between o3 and Grok 4 was one of the most anticipated of the tournament, given the rivalry between OpenAI and xAI. o3, being the more advanced AI engine, was expected to emerge victorious, and it did not disappoint. The engine won the match 4-0, with each game featuring o3’s superior strategic thinking and tactical prowess.
However, it was during the match that Magnus Carlsen, the world number one chess player, made a remark that caught everyone’s attention. Reacting to a move made by Grok 4 during the match, Carlsen said, “There’s always that one guy…who’s learnt theory and literally knows nothing else.” The comment was directed at Grok 4, which seemed to struggle against o3’s advanced capabilities.
Carlsen’s comment was not meant to be taken literally, but it did highlight the limitations of Grok 4’s capabilities. While the AI engine had a strong foundation in chess theory, it seemed to lack the strategic thinking and adaptability that o3 possessed. o3’s victory was a testament to its advanced capabilities, which included the ability to analyze positions, anticipate moves, and adapt to changing circumstances.
The defeat of Grok 4 was not the only notable outcome of the tournament. o3 also defeated o4 mini and Kimi K2 instruct, showcasing its superiority over the other AI-powered chess engines. The tournament was a great platform for OpenAI to demonstrate the capabilities of o3, which is considered one of the most advanced AI-powered chess engines in the world.
The rivalry between OpenAI and xAI is well-documented, with both companies competing to develop the most advanced AI-powered chess engines. The defeat of Grok 4 by o3 may have given OpenAI a significant advantage in this competition, but it is clear that the development of AI-powered chess engines is an ongoing process.
In conclusion, the AI Chess Exhibition Tournament 2025 was a remarkable event that showcased the capabilities of some of the most advanced AI-powered chess engines in the world. The victory of OpenAI’s o3 over Grok 4 and the other AI-powered chess engines was a testament to its advanced capabilities, which include the ability to analyze positions, anticipate moves, and adapt to changing circumstances. As the competition between OpenAI and xAI continues, it is clear that the development of AI-powered chess engines will be an ongoing process, with both companies striving to develop the most advanced capabilities.
