At just 18, D Gukesh achieved a feat that many only dream of—becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion. From standing outside a glass box as a seven-year-old, watching Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen duel, to lifting the championship trophy himself, Gukesh’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.
A Federer Connection at the Chessboard
During his victory match against Ding Liren in Singapore, fans noticed a surprising detail: Gukesh was wearing a Roger Federer-branded shirt under his grey suit. The iconic RF logo symbolized grace and excellence—qualities mirrored in Gukesh’s gameplay. While Gukesh has previously shared his admiration for Novak Djokovic and MS Dhoni for their mental toughness, his choice of attire added a unique twist to his monumental victory.
Mental Fortitude: The Key to Success
Behind Gukesh’s triumphant journey was mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton, who played a crucial role in sharpening the teen’s focus and resilience. Starting in April, Upton worked with Gukesh through regular video calls, preparing him to handle both victories and setbacks with grace.
Upton’s methods were simple yet effective. For example, when Gukesh struggled with sleep during the championship, Upton advised lowering his room’s temperature from 24°C to 22°C. Small adjustments like this ensured that Gukesh was at his mental and physical best.
Even after a crucial loss in game 12, Gukesh showed immense composure, calling Upton for guidance only when truly necessary. This emotional maturity and self-awareness set Gukesh apart from many athletes his age.
Historic Victory
Gukesh’s win against defending champion Ding Liren not only earned him the World Chess Champion title but also made him the second Indian to achieve this honor after Viswanathan Anand. His victory came with a staggering prize of $1.3 million and worldwide acclaim.
During the FIDE ceremony, Gukesh described the win as a dream come true:
“This moment feels like I have lived it a million times. To hold this trophy means more than anything in my life.”
Inspiring Millions
Gukesh’s humility shone through as he credited his family, team, and fans for their unwavering support. He even expressed gratitude to God, who, he said, guided him during difficult moments.
Before leaving the championship venue, Gukesh signed chessboards for fans ranging from toddlers to senior citizens, cementing his place as a role model for future generations.
A Decade-Long Dream Fulfilled
Reflecting on his journey, Gukesh recalled his first encounter with the World Chess Championship in 2013, where he stood outside a glass box watching Anand and Carlsen. That day, he made a promise to himself—to someday compete for the title.
Eleven years later, he sat inside the same kind of “glass box,” not as a spectator but as a champion, fulfilling a decade-long dream and bringing the title back to India.
D Gukesh, with his talent, determination, and mental strength, has redefined what’s possible for young chess players. His story proves that with hard work and the right mindset, even the boldest dreams can come true.
Featured Image Source- Eng Chin An/FIDE
