Interview with World Chess Champion Gukesh Dommaraju Ahead of the Grand Chess Tour in Bucharest: “The Key to Success Is to Give It Your All”

Last year, you became the world chess champion. Did your life change a lot after that?

I wouldn’t say it changed a lot, but there have been a few differences. For instance, when I’m at home and go out, people recognize me more than before. In airports, it can get a bit hectic. I’m glad that chess is getting more recognition, and it’s inspiring to hear kids say, “I started playing chess because of you.” That’s really nice. However, while people are very understanding, sometimes I need my personal space, and I’d prefer to stay in the background. As for chess, I don’t think much has changed. I still want to keep working hard and achieve even more. That said, some aspects of my career have changed, and there have been many new opportunities and positive shifts. I’m happy about that.

Do you have any advice for young people who want to achieve success like yours? What were the best things you did to reach this level?

For me, it has always been about enjoying the process and staying disciplined—doing the right things over a long period of time. I focus on working hard, taking care of my mental and physical health, and staying curious. Over the past 10 years, that’s what has helped me. Of course, there were phases when I wasn’t at my best, but most of the time, I was fully invested. The key is to give it your all, stay focused and disciplined, and keep working hard. Eventually, the results will come.

Do you still feel pressure when playing against other top players?

Before every chess game, I feel pressure and get nervous. But that’s because I care about every game I play. It’s not really strange to play against other top players anymore; I’ve been doing it regularly for the last couple of years and have gotten used to it. However, there’s always something to learn from the other top players. After becoming World Champion, public expectations have changed, but my own expectations for myself have always been high, so nothing much has changed.

India has been investing a lot in chess. Do you think it’s important for governments and private companies to invest in chess? What are the benefits for the population and the country?

The support from both the government and corporate sponsorships in India has been fantastic in recent years. After the Olympiad and World Championship, I even met the Honorable Prime Minister of India. There’s a lot of financial and other support for players like me, and we are constantly recognized and rewarded for our achievements. This motivates other players and kids to take chess seriously, helping to grow the talent pool. It’s a cycle that works well. I’m really glad to see what’s happening in India, and I hope that governments worldwide will support chess more enthusiastically so the sport becomes more popular around the globe.

Do you think there are benefits for kids outside of playing chess? How does learning chess benefit them?

Yes, many studies have shown that kids who are introduced to chess in schools perform better academically. Even if they don’t pursue chess as a profession, taking it up as a hobby can have positive effects. It sharpens the mind and helps with skills like problem-solving and strategic thinking. If a kid is really talented and wants to pursue it professionally, that’s great, but even playing chess just for fun can be beneficial in other areas of life.

This year is the 10th anniversary of the Grand Chess Tour. How does it feel to be part of such an important event?

The Grand Chess Tour has been doing great over the last few years, and it’s been an important development for both players and the audience. It’s a tradition now, and it’s a privilege to be part of it alongside so many great players. Congratulations to the Grand Chess Tour team on this milestone. I’m sure this year, especially with the finals, will be another great year for the chess world.

If you could steal one chess skill from another player for this year’s Grand Chess Tour, what would it be and why?

I’d take Alireza’s tactical vision. He has an incredible ability to see and calculate tactics in the game.

What do you remember from playing at the Grand Chess Tour—Superbet Chess Classic, Romania, last year?

I remember the playing hall and the hotel being great. I took some lovely walks outside the hotel, and the crowd was always so enthusiastic. Many people came every single day to follow the games, which was amazing. I’m really looking forward to going back to Bucharest in May.