The chess world is abuzz with the triumph of 18-year-old prodigy D Gukesh, who clinched the World Championship title and a staggering Rs 11.45 crore prize. While the “multi-millionaire” tag may hold some significance, Gukesh’s motivation goes far beyond material gains. For him, chess is about pure, unbridled joy—a passion that started when the chessboard was the “coolest toy” in his childhood.
Gukesh, hailing from Chennai, bested China’s Ding Liren in a gripping final to claim the championship and its lucrative reward. But his story is not just about his triumph; it’s also about the sacrifices made by his family. His father, Rajnikanth, left his career as an ENT surgeon to travel with Gukesh on the chess circuit, while his mother, Padmakumari, a microbiologist, became the family’s sole breadwinner.
“Money Isn’t Why I Play Chess”
When asked what being a multi-millionaire means to him, Gukesh reflected on his family’s journey. “It means a lot,” he admitted, acknowledging the financial and emotional challenges his family faced. “Now, we’re more comfortable, and my parents don’t have to worry about those things.”
However, he was quick to clarify that money isn’t his driving force. “Personally, money isn’t the reason I play chess,” Gukesh said with conviction. His love for the game has remained unchanged since he first encountered the chessboard as a child. “I’m still the kid who loves chess. It used to be the coolest toy,” he added with a nostalgic smile.
The Backbone of Gukesh’s Success
Gukesh’s achievements are deeply intertwined with the support of his parents. His father now doubles as his manager, ensuring Gukesh can focus solely on his game. Meanwhile, his mother’s emotional and spiritual strength serves as his anchor. Her words resonate deeply with him: “I’ll be happy to know you’re a great chess player, but I’d be happier to hear you’re a greater person.”
Chess: A Journey of Endless Learning
Despite his monumental achievement, Gukesh remains a student of the game. “The more you learn about chess, the more you realize how much you don’t know,” he remarked, emphasizing the complexity and beauty of chess. Even the greatest players, he noted, make mistakes.
“Whenever I’m on the chessboard, I feel like I’m learning something new. It’s a process of unlimited beauty,” he said, describing the intricate balance of journey and destination in his chess career.
Balancing Journey and Destination
For Gukesh, while the journey holds immense value, the destination is equally important. “For example, if I play a beautiful game but lose, I’ll feel sad. But if I win despite not playing my best, I’ll be happy. I tend to look at the result,” he shared candidly.
His desire to win, he admitted, outweighs any fear of losing. Reflecting on his match against Ding Liren, Gukesh noted his opponent’s cautious approach. “In the second game, after my horrible first game, I was surprised he opted for a comfortable draw. Perhaps he should have taken more chances,” Gukesh analyzed.
Moments Off the Chessboard
While chess remains his primary focus, Gukesh isn’t all about strategy and competition. His playful side came to light when a video of him dancing after the Chess Olympiad win went viral. “Earlier, my friends would dance while I sat in a corner. But after the Olympiad, I joined in, and now my friends tease me about it,” he laughed.
Simple Pleasures: Dance, Food, and Ice Cream
Amid the intense mental demands of chess, Gukesh finds comfort in the little things. During the World Championship, a chef in Singapore prepared his favorite South Indian dishes, which helped him feel at home.
And what about ice cream? “I haven’t had ice cream in a year. Maybe I’ll have one now,” he joked, hinting at a well-deserved treat.
The Road Ahead
At just 18, Gukesh has achieved what many can only dream of. Yet, his humility and hunger for growth are evident. His journey in chess is far from over, and the world eagerly awaits his next move—both on and off the board.
With his grounded perspective, deep love for chess, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, Gukesh is not just a world champion; he’s an inspiration to aspiring players everywhere.