D. Gukesh Acknowledges Underperformance Ahead of Norway Chess, Embraces Criticism as Justified

Oslo: D Gukesh Faces Pressure Ahead of Norway Chess Tournament

In a candid admission, D Gukesh, the reigning world chess champion, acknowledged that his performance since clinching the title in 2024 has not met expectations. As he prepares to kick off his Norway Chess campaign against Vincent Keymer on Monday, the 19-year-old Indian grandmaster is grappling with the weight of criticism from chess legends and the pressure of defending his title later this year.

Gukesh’s last 18 months have been challenging, marked by disappointing finishes in major tournaments. He placed 10th at the Tata Steel Chess Tournament, followed by a ninth-place finish at the Prague International Chess Festival, and most recently, a sixth-place finish at the Superbet Rapid & Blitz Poland on the Grand Chess Tour. In light of these results, Gukesh has opted to withdraw from all classical events on the Grand Chess Tour, focusing solely on Norway Chess and the Chess Olympiad before his title defense against challenger Javokhir Sindarov.

“I have not been performing well in the last one-and-a-half years, and I think my performances have been way below expectations,” Gukesh stated, seated alongside Magnus Carlsen, who is vying for a record-extending eighth Norway Chess title. “Critics have the right to say what they feel, and I have the right to do my best.”

Despite his efforts to block out negative feedback, Gukesh conceded that some criticisms are warranted. “Most of it I don’t see, but there are some that I have heard, and I think it’s fair,” he added.

As he gears up for the Norway Chess tournament, Gukesh expressed his desire to play the World Championship match anywhere in the world, though he acknowledged that hosting it in India would be particularly special. “In India, there’s always a lot of pressure. The World Championships will attract a lot of attention. If it’s in India, it will be super cool, and I will be very happy,” he said.

Reflecting on the challenges of defending his title, Gukesh noted the distinct mindset required for such an endeavor. “Many people have said that defending a title is more difficult than actually winning it. There is a lot of expectation and pressure of not wanting to lose,” he explained. “But at the end of the day, the basic thing is to go there and play good chess. I’ll try my best to win.”

Gukesh’s journey in the chess world has not been without its memorable moments. He recalled a viral incident from Norway Chess 2025, where Carlsen, frustrated after losing to him, banged the table in exasperation. “That moment speaks about how chess players generally don’t show a lot of emotions, but when it did happen, a lot of people got attracted to chess,” he said. “I feel it’s a great moment for chess, and chess players expressing more is fun to watch.”

As Gukesh steps into the spotlight in Oslo, all eyes will be on him—not just as a world champion, but as a young player navigating the complexities of expectation, pressure, and the pursuit of excellence in the world of chess.