Gukesh Reflects on His Journey: The One Skill He Still Needs to Master as World Champion

D Gukesh: The Youngest Chess World Champion Faces New Challenges

Oslo, Norway — In a stunning rise through the ranks of chess, Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh has made headlines by becoming the youngest world champion in history. However, despite his record-breaking achievements, the 18-year-old prodigy admits there’s one crucial skill he has yet to master: the ability to switch off and on during tournaments.

Gukesh’s journey has been nothing short of meteoric. In 2023, he displaced legendary player Viswanathan Anand as India’s No. 1 and went on to become the youngest winner of the FIDE Candidates Tournament. Just a year later, he shattered Garry Kasparov’s long-standing record to claim the title of world champion. Yet, the pressures of maintaining such a high level of performance have taken their toll.

After a promising third-place finish in the 2025 Norway Chess, where he notably defeated world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, Gukesh faced a dramatic downturn in form. This year, he finished last in the six-player standings, accumulating only 8 points, raising eyebrows and concerns about his upcoming title defense.

“It is a challenge to switch on and switch off,” Gukesh reflected after the 2026 Norway Chess concluded. “I think that’s one of the qualities that people who are consistent and have sustainable careers possess. I still have to develop that quality, but overall, I think it was a very nice experience on the rest day.”

As he prepares to defend his title against Javokhir Sindarov, the winner of the 2026 Candidates in Cyprus, Gukesh has opted for a lighter tournament schedule. This strategic decision aims to allow him to focus on training and regaining his form, leading to his withdrawal from the Grand Chess Tour.

The Road Ahead

With the world championship match looming later this year, questions abound regarding Gukesh’s ability to overcome his recent struggles. His coach has pointed out that mastering the art of switching off is a complex challenge, one that may not be easily resolved.

As Gukesh gears up for this pivotal moment in his career, fans and analysts alike are left wondering: will he find the balance he seeks before stepping back into the spotlight? Only time will tell if the young champion can harness his potential and reclaim his place at the pinnacle of chess.

First Published: June 12, 2026, 07:00 IST
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