Gukesh D, who became the youngest-ever World Chess Champion in 2024, opened up about how none other than Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand came to his rescue on his path to glory. Gukesh’s journey to the top was nothing short of spectacular. At just 18, he toppled the reigning champion Ding Liren in a nail-biting match in Singapore last year.
But it wasn’t a cakewalk. The classical rounds were intense; nine ended in draws, with Gukesh and Liren each securing a few wins. The title was finally decided in the 14th game, thanks to a huge blunder by Liren, but what a journey it was! So what did Vishy Anand say that helped him cross the line and get the gold? Let’s see.
Gukesh D Reveals What Viswanathan Anand Said
But what caught my attention is what Gukesh revealed about his mindset and how a pep talk from Anand came at the perfect time to turn things around. After a shaky start, losing the first game due to overconfidence, Gukesh found himself sharing an elevator ride with Anand, who dropped some priceless advice.
Anand, who had experienced a similar setback in 2008, reminded Gukesh D, “My overconfidence in the first World Championship match made me lose. I played a horrible game, and then I kind of woke up from the dream. I had 11 games to come back. You have 13.” That reassurance was exactly what Gukesh needed. It was a gentle reminder that the battle was far from over and a champion’s fight demands resilience.
After that, Gukesh took a day off from the chessboard to clear his head. He visited a theme park, walked on the beach, tried ziplining, and even indulged in some ice cream. That mental break, as he said, was crucial to recharging himself for the grueling matches ahead. That day helped me recharge. I got the mental break I needed”, he said.
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Viswanathan Anand: The Rock Behind Gukesh D
Of course, Gukesh’s World Championship win wasn’t without controversy. Some chess greats like Magnus Carlsen and Vladimir Kramnik criticized the championship’s quality and outcome. But Anand stood firmly behind Gukesh, telling him to ignore the negativity and focus on the bigger picture. This backing from a five-time world champion clearly gave Gukesh the confidence to hold his head high.
Also read: What Is GCL Contenders 2025: Global Chess League’s New Talent Hunt
