D Gukesh, who became World Chess Champion in December last year, is achieving new milestones in his career. At just 18, he recently reached the top spot in India and is now ranked No. 3 in the world according to FIDE.
During the India Today Conclave 2025, Gukesh spoke about the struggles his family faced early on to support his chess career. He recalled how his parents’ friends helped sponsor his tournaments abroad, making it possible for him to pursue his passion. He expressed his gratitude for the financial stability he now enjoys, saying that his family no longer worries about money, allowing them to live a comfortable life.
After his big win in Singapore against Ding Liren, Gukesh skipped the 2024 World Rapid and Blitz Championship but came back strong at the Tata Masters in Wijk aan Zee, where he finished second after a tie-break loss to R Praggnanandhaa.
In the Weissenhaus Freestyle Chess Grand Slam, Gukesh didn’t win any games. He shared his thoughts on Freestyle Chess, stating that while it is exciting, it’s still too early to predict its future. He believes that traditional chess, with its long history and legacy, will always hold more importance, and the World Championship cycle remains the most prestigious event. However, he is open to exploring Freestyle Chess as a complementary addition to the other formats.
Gukesh’s World Chess Championship victory also made him the youngest ever world champion in history and India’s second, following Viswanathan Anand, who continues to inspire the younger generation of players.
