The Mental Edge: How Paddy Upton Helped Gukesh Dommaraju Become the Youngest World Chess Champion

At just 18 years old, Indian grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju made history by becoming the youngest World Chess Champion, defeating reigning champion Ding Liren of China. While Gukesh credited former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni as his idol, another significant figure played a crucial role in his ascent to the chess throne.

Paddy Upton, the mental conditioning coach who had previously guided the Indian cricket team to victory in the 2011 World Cup, was also instrumental in Gukesh’s success. The pressure of competing at such a high level can be overwhelming, especially for young athletes, and Gukesh faced psychological challenges on his journey to the championship.

Drawing on Upton’s expertise, Gukesh was able to navigate the mental hurdles that accompany high-stakes competition. Upton’s comprehensive and meticulous approach to preparation, which included managing sleep, downtime, and meditation techniques, helped Gukesh maintain focus and composure throughout the tournament.

Despite facing setbacks during the championship, Gukesh demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability, ultimately seizing victory in the final game. Reflecting on this moment, Gukesh described it as “probably the best moment of my life,” highlighting the effectiveness of Upton’s mental conditioning techniques.

Upton’s legacy of mentorship extends beyond just this championship, emphasizing the growing recognition of mental conditioning in sports. The connection between cricket and chess exemplifies how skills developed in one sport can enhance performance in another, paving the way for new generations of athletes like Gukesh to achieve greatness.