
Title: OpenAI o3 defeats Grok 4 in chess, Carlsen says ‘Grok learnt theory & knows nothing else’
The world of chess witnessed a thrilling exhibition match recently, as OpenAI’s o3 defeated Elon Musk-owned xAI’s Grok 4 with a convincing 4-0 score in the AI Chess Exhibition Tournament 2025. The match was highly anticipated, with many eager to see how the two top-notch AI systems would fare against each other. However, it was OpenAI’s o3 that emerged victorious, leaving fans and experts alike wondering about the strengths and weaknesses of both systems.
The match was marked by several interesting moments, with o3’s victory being attributed to its superior strategic thinking and ability to adapt to different situations. On the other hand, Grok 4’s performance was criticized by none other than world number one chess player Magnus Carlsen, who was watching the match live.
Reacting to a move by Grok 4 during its match with o3, Carlsen said, “There’s always that one guy…who’s learnt theory and literally knows nothing else.” This comment has sparked a lot of debate in the chess community, with some arguing that Carlsen’s statement was unfair and others agreeing that Grok 4’s performance was indeed lacking.
Carlsen’s comment was in response to Grok 4’s decision to make a specific move, which was met with widespread criticism from chess enthusiasts. Many argued that the move was a clear indication of Grok 4’s lack of understanding of the game, and that it was simply relying on memorized theory rather than developing its own strategy.
This criticism is not new, as some experts have long argued that Grok 4’s performance is often limited by its reliance on pre-programmed knowledge. In contrast, o3’s victory was seen as a testament to its ability to think strategically and adapt to different situations.
In addition to its victory over Grok 4, o3 has also defeated other top AI systems such as o4 mini and Kimi K2 instruct. This impressive streak has solidified o3’s position as one of the top AI systems in the world, and has left many wondering what the future holds for this technology.
The future of AI in chess is likely to be shaped by the continued development of systems like o3 and Grok 4. As these systems continue to evolve and improve, they are likely to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of chess.
In conclusion, the match between OpenAI’s o3 and Elon Musk-owned xAI’s Grok 4 was an exciting and thought-provoking event that has left many wondering about the strengths and weaknesses of these two top-notch AI systems. While Grok 4’s performance was criticized by some, including world number one chess player Magnus Carlsen, o3’s victory was seen as a testament to its ability to think strategically and adapt to different situations.
As the world of AI continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these systems develop and what impact they will have on the world of chess and beyond. One thing is certain, however – the future of AI in chess is bright, and it will be exciting to see what the future holds for these incredible systems.
News Source:
https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/chess/magnus-carlsen-roasts-elon-musk-grok-4-openai-o3-chess-10176971/lite/