Chennai, July 8, 2025 – D Gukesh, the youngest-ever world chess champion, has been navigating a challenging yet promising journey since his historic victory over Ding Liren in December 2024. His performance at the recently concluded Norway Chess tournament drew a nuanced assessment from his long-time mentor, five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, who upgraded Gukesh’s rating from a pre-tournament “D minus” to a “B” for his resilience and notable victories, despite flaws in his gameplay. Anand’s candid analysis highlights both Gukesh’s potential and areas needing refinement as he continues to adapt to the pressures of being a global chess icon.
Gukesh’s Post-Championship Journey
At just 18 years old, Gukesh made history by clinching the world chess championship title, cementing his status as a prodigy from India’s thriving chess scene. However, his performances in 2025 have been a mix of brilliance and inconsistency. In his first tournament as world champion, the Tata Steel Chess Tournament in Wijk aan Zee, Gukesh came close to victory but fell to compatriot R Praggnanandhaa in a tie-break, earning praise for his resilience. Anand noted this as a “rebound effect,” countering fears of a post-championship slump, and graded his performance there as a “C minus” or “D plus.”
Subsequent tournaments, however, exposed vulnerabilities. At the Weissenhaus Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour, Gukesh struggled significantly, finishing with zero wins, 11 draws, and six defeats. Similar challenges persisted at the Paris leg and the Superbet Chess Classic in Bucharest, where he managed only one win, six draws, and two losses. These results led Anand to initially assign a modest “D minus” for Gukesh’s six-month performance, citing the need for “further improvement” and urging him to “work harder” to reconnect with his peak form.
Norway Chess: A Turning Point
The Norway Chess tournament, held in Stavanger from May 26 to June 6, 2025, marked a significant turnaround for Gukesh. Competing against the world’s elite, he secured third place overall, a commendable achievement in a field led by world number one Magnus Carlsen. His standout moments included his first classical victory over Carlsen, a feat that prompted a rare emotional reaction from the Norwegian grandmaster, who smashed his fist in frustration. Gukesh also notched his first classical win against fellow Indian star Arjun Erigaisi, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level.
Despite finishing with a 50% score, Gukesh’s performance was a blend of brilliance and flaws. Anand acknowledged his resourcefulness, upgrading his assessment to a “B” from an initial “D.” “He deserved a D, but he got a lot of answers correct somehow,” Anand told Chess.com, pointing to Gukesh’s ability to secure critical wins. However, he also highlighted areas of concern, particularly Gukesh’s questionable decision-making early in games, not under time pressure. “Some of the criticism is fair,” Anand noted, referencing the two victories against Carlsen and Erigaisi, which were marred by risky moves.
Anand’s analysis balanced praise with critique: “How many people in the world can beat Arjun and Magnus from these positions? If Hikaru [Nakamura] or Magnus had escaped from some of these positions, we’d just say, ‘But they’re very strong.’ The same logic has to apply here.” He emphasized Gukesh’s defensive skills but cautioned against over-reliance on them, likening it to a country maintaining an army it hopes not to use frequently. “You don’t want to depend too much on these skills,” Anand remarked, urging Gukesh to refine his strategic consistency.
Current Form and Future Prospects
Following Norway Chess, Gukesh has shown signs of regaining his momentum. As of July 8, 2025, he leads the SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz Croatia 2025, demonstrating his competitive spirit and adaptability in faster formats. This performance suggests that Gukesh is finding his footing as opponents treat him differently as the world champion, a dynamic Anand noted as a natural challenge for a new titleholder. “Everybody treats him differently. He’s finding his way,” Anand observed, expressing confidence in Gukesh’s ability to evolve.
The chess community on X has been abuzz with discussions about Gukesh’s Norway Chess showing, with fans and analysts praising his victories over Carlsen and Erigaisi while echoing Anand’s call for improved decision-making. Some posts highlighted Gukesh’s resilience under pressure, while others debated whether his 50% score warranted a higher grade than Anand’s “B.”
Anand’s Mentorship and India’s Chess Legacy
Viswanathan Anand, a towering figure in Indian chess, has played a pivotal role in Gukesh’s development through his Westbridge Anand Chess Academy (WACA), which also nurtures talents like Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali. Anand’s mentorship combines technical guidance with psychological support, helping Gukesh navigate the pressures of fame and high-stakes competition. His candid grading system—ranging from “D minus” to “B”—reflects a commitment to pushing Gukesh toward excellence while acknowledging his achievements.
India’s chess scene continues to thrive, with players like Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Erigaisi, and others building on Anand’s legacy. Gukesh’s performance at Norway Chess, despite its flaws, reinforces his potential to remain a dominant force. As he prepares to defend his world championship title in 2026, likely against contenders like Carlsen, Nakamura, or Fabiano Caruana, Gukesh’s ability to address Anand’s critiques will be crucial.
Outlook
Gukesh’s journey as world champion is a testament to his talent and resilience, but also a reminder of the challenges young players face in sustaining peak performance. Anand’s upgraded “B” rating for Norway Chess reflects a balance of encouragement and constructive criticism, signaling confidence in Gukesh’s ability to refine his game. With ongoing success in Croatia and upcoming tournaments, Gukesh has the opportunity to solidify his standing as a global chess leader. His next steps—focusing on strategic decision-making and consistency—will determine how brightly India’s chess star continues to shine.
Last Updated on: Wednesday, July 9, 2025 4:15 pm by Lokram Chittiboina | Published by: Lokram Chittiboina on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 4:15 pm | News Categories: News
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