The Decline of D Gukesh: Insights from World No. 5 Nodirbek Abdusattorov on the Reigning Champion’s Struggles

D Gukesh’s Struggles: A Year of Unexplained Loss of Form

Chennai, India – D Gukesh, the youngest world champion in chess history, has faced a perplexing decline in form over the past year, raising questions about the pressures of maintaining excellence at the highest level. After a sensational 2024, where he clinched both the FIDE Candidates and World Championship titles, the 19-year-old Grandmaster has struggled to replicate his earlier success.

In 2024, Gukesh not only made headlines by becoming the youngest player to win the FIDE Candidates but also played a pivotal role in India’s historic Chess Olympiad campaign. His meteoric rise seemed unstoppable, culminating in a series of impressive performances, including a runner-up finish at the prestigious Tata Steel Chess tournament and two victories over chess titan Magnus Carlsen in 2025.

However, since then, Gukesh’s trajectory has taken a downturn. His recent outings have been marked by disappointing results, including a hat-trick of defeats at the Grand Swiss and an early exit from the FIDE World Cup in Goa. At the Tata Steel Chess, he finished 10th out of 14, and his performance at the Prague Masters was equally disheartening, where he ended up joint-last before finally securing a win in the final round.

Nodirbek Abdusattorov Weighs In

World No. 5 Nodirbek Abdusattorov has shared insights into Gukesh’s struggles, attributing them to “self-imposed pressure.” In a recent episode of the “Chess with Mustreader” podcast, Abdusattorov stated, “He thinks he has to win every tournament, he has to show the best, high-quality chess in every tournament. I don’t think he has any chess problems; it’s just self-imposed pressure.”

The Uzbekistani Grandmaster emphasized that Gukesh’s earlier performances, particularly in the Candidates and the Olympiad, showcased his phenomenal talent. “He will come back from his recent form,” Abdusattorov reassured fans, suggesting that the young champion’s current challenges are more psychological than technical.

The Road Ahead

As Gukesh prepares for the upcoming Candidates tournament in Cyprus, the pressure to regain his form intensifies. With the World Championship title defense looming later this year, the stakes have never been higher. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Gukesh can shake off the weight of expectation and return to the form that once made him a chess prodigy.

In the world of chess, where mental fortitude is as crucial as strategic prowess, Gukesh’s journey serves as a reminder of the challenges that come with success. As he navigates this turbulent phase, the chess community remains hopeful for his resurgence.