D Gukesh’s extraordinary journey to world chess champion has made him an inspiration—and, inevitably, a prime target for every grandmaster hungry to prove themselves. His rise is both a story of triumph and of pressure that comes from being at the top, highlighting the resilience it takes to shoulder such expectations at just nineteen.
Humble Beginnings, Relentless Drive
Growing up in Chennai, Gukesh was introduced to chess at age seven, and quickly trained under local coaches who developed his talent. His family sacrificed plenty, his father left his medical career to support Gukesh, traveling with him and handling the logistics of a young chess prodigy’s life. Throughout his journey, his mother has been his emotional anchor, encouraging him through wins and setbacks alike.
Becoming the Youngest World Champion
Gukesh set records early—earning his grandmaster title at just 12 years and 7 months and smashing through the 2700 Elo barrier before most players finish school. In December 2024, he defeated Ding Liren to become the youngest ever world chess champion, sparking celebrations across India—a country where cricket is king but chess is now on the rise.
Pressure and Scrutiny from Grandmasters
This meteoric rise brought new pressures. Once a challenger, Gukesh now faces seasoned grandmasters intent on knocking him and berating his achievement. Every loss is dissected, every match is heightened, and the expectations are enormous. Tournament upsets are headline news, and he must handle the relentless scrutiny from the chess community and the public.
Gukesh’s Response: Grace Under Fire
Despite this, Gukesh’s response is consistently dignified. He treats defeats as opportunities for growth and keeps working to improve his game, undeterred by setbacks or criticism. Those close to him admire his humility and focus, while supporters hope he finds balance amid the demands that come with being a symbol of hope and pride for a nation.
Why He Deserves Understanding
Gukesh’s journey is not just about brilliance on the chessboard—it’s about resilience, managing pressure, and staying grounded in the spotlight. He’s a teenager navigating enormous responsibility, representing his country and inspiring millions, while every grandmaster lines up to test the world’s new chess king.
In making Gukesh their target, grandmasters acknowledge his talent—but his story deserves empathy. Success has brought not just accolades, but sacrifices, and he faces a challenge that goes beyond strategy: balancing expectations, public scrutiny, and his own aspirations for greatness.
Many grandmasters who have repeatedly failed to defeat Gukesh still find reasons to criticize him, despite his impressive achievements. This paradox of continual complaints reflects the frustration some players feel about Gukesh’s unrelenting fighting spirit and youthful energy that often turns games in his favor—even when he is not technically the stronger player at every move. Some critics argue that Gukesh benefits from lucky breaks or psychological advantages, overlooking the hard work and resilience behind his success. Meanwhile, Gukesh endures the double pressure of proving himself not only against the world’s best but also against scepticism from peers who have not managed to vanquish him. This dynamic adds an emotional layer to his journey, where Gukesh’s grit is met both with admiration and resistance—a testament to the challenges of being a leading figure in a fiercely competitive sport.
