Gukesh Dommaraju’s Calm Under Pressure: A Deep Dive into His Heart Rate in Freestyle Chess Battle

World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju faced a nail-biting moment in his quarter-final match against World No 2, Fabiano Caruana, as he had less than a minute left on his clock in the crucial first game. Despite the intense pressure, Gukesh’s heart rate remained steady at 78 beats per minute, showcasing his remarkable composure under stress.

The Freestyle Chess battle at Weissenhaus, Germany, saw Gukesh and Caruana engage in a high-stakes game, with heart rate monitors revealing the physiological responses of elite grandmasters to such pressure situations. Gukesh’s ability to maintain a calm heart rate even in the face of intense competition left many in awe.

Renowned mind guru Paddy Upton, who worked with Gukesh, emphasized that managing thoughts and staying focused on the present moment are key factors in controlling heart rate. Gukesh’s ability to stay grounded and not fixate on the outcome allows him to keep his heart rate low even in tense moments.

During the game, Gukesh’s heart rate remained steady even as his time on the clock dwindled, while Caruana’s heart rate soared under pressure. Despite the equal position on the board, Gukesh’s calm demeanor stood out, impressing even his opponent Caruana.

The monitoring of heart rates in chess players during games sheds light on the mental fortitude required to excel in high-pressure situations. Gukesh’s ability to keep his heart rate sedated under stress sets him apart from his competitors and showcases his exceptional focus and composure on the chessboard.