D Gukesh Admits Difficulty in Handling Success of World Chess Championship Win

D Gukesh, the youngest world chess champion, has opened up about the challenges of handling success and staying grounded in the face of fame. The 18-year-old Grandmaster from Chennai recently made history by defeating China’s Ding Liren to claim the world chess title, becoming only the second Indian to do so after Viswanathan Anand.

In a candid interview during the Tata Steel Chess 2025 tournament, Gukesh admitted that dealing with success has not been easy for him. Despite the sudden fame and recognition, he acknowledged that he may have “drifted a bit here and there,” but credited his family, friends, and coaches for keeping him on track.

While Gukesh is thrilled that chess is gaining popularity in India, he emphasized that winning the World Chess Championship does not automatically make him the best player in the world. He expressed his desire to continue improving his game and reaching his full potential, acknowledging that Magnus Carlsen currently holds the title of the best player in the world.

Gukesh is currently competing in the Tata Steel Chess Masters 2025 in the Netherlands, where he is leading the standings after nine rounds. With four more rounds to go, the young champion is focused on pushing himself and proving his worth in the world of chess.