Gukesh Dommaraju, the youngest world chess champion, showcased his resilience at the 2025 Norway Chess tournament. After clinching the world title at 18 by defeating Ding Liren in December 2024, Gukesh faced challenges. His mentor, Vishy Anand, initially graded his six-month performance as a “C minus.” However, Gukesh’s stellar showing in Stavanger earned him an upgraded B grade. Anand expressed, “I think I will go up to B. He deserved a D, but he got a lot of answers correct somehow.”
A Rocky Start to 2025
Gukesh’s journey as champion began with promise. He nearly won the Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk aan Zee, losing to Praggnanandhaa in a tie-break. Anand praised this, saying, “He played extremely well. The first event was extremely successful.” Yet, Gukesh struggled in Freestyle Chess events. At Weissenhaus, he recorded zero wins, 11 draws, and six losses. In Paris, his performance dipped further. The Superbet Chess Classic in Bucharest saw him secure one win, six draws, and two losses, narrowly avoiding last place.
Gukesh Triumphs at Norway Chess
Norway Chess marked a turning point. Gukesh achieved his first classical victories over world no. 1 Magnus Carlsen and compatriot Arjun Erigaisi. These wins stunned fans, with Carlsen’s fist-smashing reaction to his loss going viral. Gukesh finished third, just half a point behind Carlsen. Anand acknowledged his resourcefulness, stating, “How many people in the world can beat Arjun and Magnus from these positions?” Despite some questionable moves, Gukesh’s defensive skills shone through.
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Anand’s Critique and Praise
Anand, a five-time world champion, offered balanced feedback. He criticized Gukesh’s early-game decisions, saying, “Gukesh made a lot of questionable decisions in his moves and not in time trouble.” Yet, he defended Gukesh’s resilience, noting, “If Hikaru or Magnus had escaped from some of these positions, we’d just say, ‘But they’re very strong.’ Same logic has to apply here.” Anand emphasized growth, adding, “The fact that you have such defensive skills doesn’t mean you should be depending on them all the time.”
Leading in Zagreb: A Bright Future
Gukesh’s momentum continued at the SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz Croatia 2025 in Zagreb. After three days of rapid chess, he led the tournament, showcasing his adaptability in faster formats. His ability to rebound from earlier setbacks highlights his potential. Anand’s guidance remains crucial as Gukesh navigates the pressures of being a world champion. With victories over top players like Carlsen and Erigaisi, Gukesh proves he’s a force in chess. His journey, marked by resilience and growth, signals a promising future. Fans eagerly await his next moves as he continues to compete against the world’s best.
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