D Gukesh: The Youngest World Chess Champion’s Journey to the Top

At just 18 years old, D Gukesh has already made history by becoming the youngest-ever world chess champion. But as he navigates the challenges of staying at the top, he has the support and guidance of seasoned Grandmaster David Howell.

Howell, who himself was a prodigy in his younger years, sees something special in Gukesh. He believes that the young champion’s strong mindset and dedication to improvement will be key in his continued success.

In a recent interview with TOI, Howell shared his admiration for Gukesh’s attitude and work ethic. He emphasized the importance of staying grounded, remaining curious, and focusing on growth rather than external pressures.

Gukesh is not alone in his journey to the top of the chess world. He is part of a generation of Indian players, including R Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi, who are pushing each other to new heights. This competitive environment, coupled with structured coaching and financial support, has propelled Indian chess to new heights.

Howell also sees the influence of Indian chess spreading to other countries, such as Turkey, where young players are already making waves. He credits the success of Indian chess to a combination of factors, including the inspiration of players like Viswanathan Anand and the support of coaches and platforms like ChessBase India.

As Howell continues to advocate for the growth of chess as a spectator sport, he has joined Magnus Carlsen’s app ‘Take Take Take’ to reach a wider audience. Through technology and innovation, he hopes to make chess more accessible and engaging for players and fans alike.

With Gukesh leading the charge for the next generation of chess prodigies, the future of the game looks bright. As he continues to hone his skills and face new challenges, he can draw on the wisdom and experience of mentors like David Howell to guide him along the way.