D Gukesh Faces Challenges After World Championship Triumph: A Look at His Recent Struggles and Support from Fabiano Caruana
D. Gukesh Faces Pressure as Form Wavers Post-World Championship Triumph
India’s chess prodigy, Grand Master D. Gukesh, is navigating a challenging phase following his historic ascent to the World Champion title. Once celebrated for his meteoric rise, the 19-year-old now finds himself grappling with a significant dip in form, recently plummeting to the 20th position in the live chess rankings after a disappointing loss to fellow Indian player Aravindh Chithambaram.
In a tense sixth-round match at the Prague International Chess Festival, Gukesh resigned, marking his third defeat in six rounds. This setback has not only affected his standing in the tournament but has also cost him 19 rating points, leaving him at the bottom of the festival standings. The young champion has drawn three games but has yet to secure a win, raising concerns among fans and analysts alike.
Fabiano Caruana Offers Support Amid Criticism
Despite the mounting criticism surrounding Gukesh’s recent performances, renowned World No. 3 Fabiano Caruana has stepped in to defend the young champion. Caruana emphasized that Gukesh remains a “top player” despite experiencing a rough patch. “It can’t feel nice to be playing poorly, but I still consider him a very top player regardless of a few bad months,” Caruana stated, acknowledging the pressures that come with being a world champion.
Gukesh made headlines in 2024 by becoming the youngest winner of the Candidates Tournament and the youngest world champion in history. However, since then, his form has faltered, particularly in the latter half of 2025, where he faced a string of defeats at the FIDE Grand Swiss and a disappointing showing at the FIDE World Cup in Goa.
A Bright Future Ahead
Looking ahead, Caruana remains optimistic about Gukesh’s potential. He noted that the young Indian star, along with compatriots R. Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi, is likely to dominate the chess scene for years to come. “For Gukesh, it’s concerning because he does have this really important event at the end of the year (the World Chess Championship). He’s the only person in the world guaranteed to play in that event at the moment,” Caruana remarked during a recent interview.
As Gukesh prepares for the upcoming Candidates Tournament, where he will face formidable opponents, including Caruana himself, the chess community watches closely. The pressure is on for Gukesh to reclaim his form and prove that his championship title was not a fleeting moment but the beginning of a legendary career.
Conclusion
While the chess world holds its breath, Gukesh’s journey serves as a reminder of the highs and lows that come with elite competition. With the support of fellow grandmasters and a determination to overcome his current struggles, the young champion has the potential to rise once again and solidify his place among the chess greats.