Current chess world champion D Gukesh opened up about his parents’ struggles before his success, revealing that they had to depend on the generosity of friends to support his international tournament expenses. “I remember my parents’ friends sponsoring me to play tournaments abroad. It was quite difficult at that time, and we had a lot of help from very, very nice and selfless people. Now, the last year was financially very good for us,” Gukesh said at the ‘India Today Conclave 2025’.
“I think it means a lot to me that my parents don’t have to think about money anymore. We can lead a comfortable life, not struggle like before,” he added.
Gukesh is India’s youngest grandmaster, missing the tag of becoming the world’s youngest by just 17 days. He’s the youngest-ever winner of the Candidates tournament, which earned him a shot at the World Championship in the first place. And he was the first Indian chess player to topple Viswanathan Anand’s 36-year stay in the world rankings as the top-ranked Indian player.
With two distinct sets of chess enthusiasts emerging — one supporting freestyle and the other showing loyality to classical — concerns have been raised about a potential split in the sport. Gukesh, who beat Ding Liren to become world champion last year, sees no reason for division.
“I don’t think much about it. Freestyle is exciting, and I’m happy to play it. But it’s too early to say where it’s going. We’ve had just two serious tournaments in freestyle so far,” he said.
“I wish freestyle becomes big, but I don’t see it taking over standard chess. The history and legacy of classical chess give it more value. The World Championship cycle still holds the biggest importance for now.” “Freestyle is a great addition to classical, rapid, and blitz. But yeah, we just have to see how it works. I’m open to all,”
(With agency inputs)
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