D Gukesh Faces Criticism from Chess Legends Amidst World Championship Triumph

D Gukesh Faces Criticism from Chess Legends, Coach Stands Firm

Norway – Since capturing the world championship title in 2024, D Gukesh has found himself at the center of a storm of criticism from both active chess players and legends of the game, including the iconic Garry Kasparov. The debate has ignited discussions about the future of classical chess and the legacy of its champions.

Kasparov, a towering figure in chess history, expressed his skepticism regarding Gukesh’s title, suggesting that the departure of world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen from the championship scene in 2022 marked the end of an era for classical chess. “Gukesh won fair and square, but you can hardly call him the strongest player in the world,” Kasparov stated. He emphasized that while Gukesh’s championship victory was legitimate, it did not equate to being the strongest player, pointing to Gukesh’s unimpressive performance against fellow young talent Praggnanandhaa at the recent Sinquefield Cup.

Despite the criticism, Gukesh’s coach, Grzegorz Gajewski, remains unfazed. In an interview with The Indian Express, Gajewski asserted, “I don’t think the comments affected him at all. They have the right to their opinions. It’s your responsibility as a professional chess player, especially of his calibre, to simply focus on your job.” Gajewski believes that meeting the expectations of former champions is not Gukesh’s primary goal.

At just 17, Gukesh has already made history as the youngest undisputed world champion and the youngest player to surpass a FIDE rating of 2750. His remarkable journey includes earning his Grandmaster title at the age of 12 and achieving a 2700 Elo rating at 16. During the 2024 World Chess Championship, Gukesh showcased his talent by winning three games against Ding Liren, with the match concluding in a dramatic final game where Liren faltered in the endgame.

Carlsen himself weighed in on the situation, acknowledging the unrealistic expectations placed on Gukesh. “He played incredibly in the Candidates Tournament and delivered one of the best performances in history at the Olympiad,” Carlsen noted. However, he cautioned that while Gukesh has shown promise, the path to consistent excellence is fraught with challenges. “Defending his title in every tournament isn’t easy, but he’ll do well,” Carlsen added, recognizing Gukesh’s potential while also tempering expectations.

As Gukesh prepares for his next challenges, the chess world watches closely, eager to see how this young champion navigates the pressures of his newfound status. With a blend of talent, determination, and the support of his coach, Gukesh aims to carve out his own legacy in the annals of chess history.