At 20, D Gukesh is carrying a burden few in chess have ever faced – the weight of being a world champion. Yet, with a title defence looming, the Indian Grandmaster sees those expectations as an opportunity to test his limits, build character, and emerge stronger.
As he bid farewell to his teenage years on Friday, Gukesh remained one of the main attractions at Norway Chess, where organisers marked the rest day with a sailing trip on the calm waters of the Oslofjord.
Even amid the scenic backdrop, Gukesh appeared deep in thought, perhaps unsurprising given his difficult start to the tournament, where he currently sits at the bottom of the six-player standings.
It was a reminder of the 'struggles' he had spoken about before the event, as he continues to navigate the unique pressures that come with wearing the world champion's crown at such a young age.
World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen, a five-time Classical world champion, admitted that the burden of expectations was one of the less enjoyable aspects of being world champion.
Carlsen expressed hope that the upcoming World Championship match between Gukesh and Javokhir Sindarov would be a fantastic contest, and that he would follow it as a chess fan.
