Gukesh Comments on Pressure After World Title

Indian young Grandmaster and World Champion D Gukesh had a disappointing outing at the Norway Chess Tournament 2026, finishing at the bottom with just one classical win against a strong field of six players. Speaking candidly, Gukesh shared insights into the immense mental pressure that follows achieving the dream of becoming a world champion. He remarked that not winning the world title might sometimes be a blessing, as it keeps a player constantly motivated. “No matter how much you try to ignore external noise, expectations and personal goals keep resurfacing. I have always been a player who strives for victories, and this phase feels particularly challenging,” he said.

Gukesh further revealed that he is working with mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton to overcome this phase. He admitted that he is not currently at his best but is focusing on learning something new in chess every day. Despite recent setbacks, his passion for the game remains strong. “That love is what drives me forward,” he emphasized. The young champion is now preparing to defend his world title later this year against Uzbekistan’s rising Grandmaster Nodirbek Sindarov, stating that meeting expectations remains his biggest challenge at present.