Gukesh D in Ask Me Anything session: ‘For sure there is extra pressure (of being world champion)’

When he was asked if he thought he could be World No 1 some day, Gukesh replied: "I know I will give my absolute best for it but whether or not it happens I would be happy with the effort I put in."

World champion Gukesh D poses at the St Louis Chess Club during the Clutch Chess exhibition event. (PHOTO: Lennart Ootes via St Louis Chess Club)

Gukesh Dommaraju will soon complete a year as the youngest world champion in chess history. Since becoming the world champion by defeating Ding Liren in Singapore, Gukesh has not had the best of runs and is yet to win any event. In an Ask Me Anything on X, organised by the Global Chess League on Friday, Gukesh admitted that there was pressure of being world champion. But he said that he was hopeful that he would work it out just like he had done other challenges in his career.

Responding to a question about there being “extra pressure of being the world champion while playing” Gukesh replied: “For sure there is extra pressure and I feel it too but with each change I have adapted sooner or later in my career so far and I’m sure I will do that this time too!”

When he was asked if he thought he could be World No 1 some day, Gukesh replied: “I know I will give my absolute best for it but whether or not it happens I would be happy with the effort I put in.”

Here are all the best questions and the responses from the world champion:

Q: Has playing with engines every day made you more creative or has it sometimes killed your natural imagination?

Gukesh: Training with computers has benefits and drawbacks and you learn a lot of new concepts and makes work easier but if it crosses the line it can kill some of the creativity

Q: What has been the biggest impact of GCL on your game, and has the league format changed your overall chess approach?

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Gukesh: It has brought for sure a glamorous look to Chess and its nice to play as a team but woud not say it has changed my overall approach!

Q: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned from analyzing your own games?

Gukesh: Sometimes I look back and feel surprised of how effortless some very tough decisions were especially some of my best games

Q: What was the toughest decision you’ve ever made over the chessboard?

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Gukesh: I think every game has some tough decisions maybe recently going for a draw against Magnus in Zagreb was the toughest

Q: What’s the one tournament memory that still gives you goosebumps?

Gukesh: Winning the Chennai GM 2023 considering the stakes and the form I was in

Q: Which match from your past still teaches you something today?

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Gukesh: I think all the games leave a lesson but one that strikes me the most is Round 7 against Alireza in Candidates

Q: Which tournament atmosphere pushes you to play your absolute best — quiet halls or energetic crowds?

Gukesh: Depends… but I think its mostly about the mindset I have more than the atmosphere but its more fun to play in huge halls with lot of players like in the Olympiads

Q: What’s the strangest superstition you’ve seen among chess players during tournaments?

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Gukesh: I have seen someone hovering over the piece few times before making the move

Q: Is intuition your secret weapon, or does calculation rule your decisions on the board?

Gukesh: I think both work together for every decision some players trust one more than the other I hve had a history of calculating more!

Q: If you have to put across your “success mantra” in one sentence, what will that be?

Gukesh: never give up

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Q: Do your parents ask you to complete your graduation?

Gukesh: Till a couple of years back, yes but then Mom gave up hopes

Q: Has playing with engines every day made you more creative or has it sometimes killed your natural imagination?

Gukesh: Training with computers has benefits and drawbacks and you learn a lot of new concepts and makes work easier but if it crosses the line it can kill some of the creativity

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Q: Which is your favourite place to play chess at your home? The living room, your room or some other secret spot?

Gukesh: My room! It is usually peaceful

Q: How would you rate your overall team vs competitors for this GCL Season 3?

Gukesh: I have great teammates and would be great to again pair up with Arjun especially and I think all the teams have great players in it so it will be fun!