Reigning world chess champion D Gukesh remains open to various chess formats but emphasizes the enduring significance of classical chess. While he acknowledges the excitement of freestyle chess, Gukesh believes that classical chess, with its rich history, holds unparalleled value.
Freestyle Chess: An Exciting Experiment
Gukesh expresses enthusiasm for freestyle chess, also known as Chess960, viewing it as an intriguing experiment. However, he maintains that it’s premature to predict its future impact on the traditional game. He states, “I think 960 is nice as an experiment, but I don’t see it taking over classical chess.”
Gukesh underscores that the classical World Chess Championship cycle continues to hold paramount importance in the chess world.
Upcoming Participation in Freestyle Chess Grand Slam
Demonstrating his openness to diverse formats, Gukesh has confirmed his participation in the Paris leg of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour, scheduled from April 7-14. This event boasts a prize purse of $750,000 and features top grandmasters, including world number one Magnus Carlsen. The tour aims to explore the potential of freestyle chess, offering players and audiences a fresh perspective on the game.
Gukesh’s Meteoric Rise in the Chess World
Gukesh’s journey to the pinnacle of chess has been remarkable. Born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, India, he learned to play chess at the age of seven. His prodigious talent became evident early on, leading him to become the second-youngest grandmaster in history at 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days.
In December 2024, at just 18, Gukesh clinched the World Chess Championship title, becoming the youngest ever to do so.
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Financial Stability and Family Support
Gukesh’s ascent wasn’t without challenges. In the early stages of his career, his family faced financial constraints, relying on the support of friends to fund his participation in international tournaments. Reflecting on this period, Gukesh said, “I remember my parents’ friends sponsoring me to play tournaments abroad. It was quite difficult at that time.” The recent successes have alleviated these pressures, allowing his family to lead a more comfortable life.
The Influence of Viswanathan Anand and the Growth of Indian Chess
Indian chess has seen a significant surge in recent years, with 13 players currently ranked in the top 100 globally. Gukesh attributes much of this growth to the legendary Viswanathan Anand. He acknowledges Anand’s contributions, stating that his achievements and initiatives, such as the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy, have been instrumental in nurturing young talent. Additionally, increased support from the government and corporate sponsors has played a crucial role in the sport’s rising popularity in India.
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