In a groundbreaking moment for the world of chess, D Gukesh, the 18-year-old Indian chess prodigy, has made history by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion. His stunning victory over Ding Liren in the 2024 World Chess Championship held in Singapore has sent shockwaves through the chess community, cementing his place in the annals of chess greatness. However, while Gukesh’s triumph is being hailed as a remarkable achievement, his coach, Grzegorz Gajewski, has shared a thought-provoking perspective, stating that while Gukesh can emulate Magnus Carlsen’s style, he will “never” play like him. Let’s dive into why Gajewski believes Gukesh’s approach to the game will differ from that of Carlsen’s.
Gukesh’s Historic Victory: The Youngest World Chess Champion
On the grand stage of the 2024 World Chess Championship, D Gukesh secured a 7.5-6.5 victory over Ding Liren, marking a significant moment in chess history. At just 18, Gukesh became the youngest player ever to clinch the coveted World Chess Champion title, surpassing the age at which Garry Kasparov won his first title. This historic feat makes him only the second Indian to win the World Championship, following the legendary Viswanathan Anand.
Gukesh’s win not only highlights his immense talent but also his mental fortitude and determination in the face of intense competition. His victory sends a clear message to the world that age is no barrier to success in the world of chess.
Gajewski’s Insight: Gukesh’s Style Is Different from Carlsen’s Intuitive Play
While the chess world celebrates Gukesh’s victory, his coach Grzegorz Gajewski provides valuable insight into what makes the young champion’s style unique. Gajewski, who has been working with Gukesh since 2023, is no stranger to elite-level chess, having also been a key second for Viswanathan Anand. According to Gajewski, Gukesh will never play like Magnus Carlsen, especially when it comes to the intuitive, “feel-based” approach that has made Carlsen a chess legend.
Calculation vs. Intuition: Gukesh’s Approach to Chess
In an exclusive interview with The Hindu, Gajewski explained that while Gukesh has the potential to mimic Carlsen’s style, his approach to the game is fundamentally different. He said, “Gukesh likes to calculate deeply, he’s not the type of player to make moves based purely on intuition.” This highlights Gukesh’s methodical, calculation-based approach, which contrasts with Carlsen’s more instinctive style of play.
Carlsen, renowned for his ability to play on “feel,” has consistently relied on his intuition and sharp sense of position to outmaneuver opponents. While Gukesh possesses the technical skill to play like Carlsen, Gajewski believes that Gukesh’s true strength lies in his ability to deeply analyze positions before making moves, a style that requires patience and precision.
Comparison to Other Chess Greats
When asked to compare Gukesh’s calculation skills to those of other chess legends, Gajewski pointed to the great Viswanathan Anand, noting that Anand’s talent for calculation was unparalleled in the history of the game. However, Gajewski also mentioned that Anand’s remarkable speed sometimes worked against him, a subtle nod to how Gukesh’s more calculated approach can potentially be his greatest asset.
Gajewski also drew a comparison to young Fabiano Caruana, who is known for his deep analytical thinking. Caruana, like Gukesh, is renowned for his ability to calculate moves with great accuracy and foresight, setting both players apart from more intuitive, “gut-feeling” players like Carlsen.
Gukesh’s Future: A Unique Path to Greatness
As Gukesh continues to evolve as a chess player, his unique style, which blends deep calculation and methodical play, will shape his future in the world of chess. While he may never play like Magnus Carlsen, he is carving out a path that could see him dominate the chess world for years to come. Gajewski’s guidance and mentorship, along with Gukesh’s own dedication, will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping his journey toward more championship titles and further success.
Why Gukesh’s Victory Is a Game-Changer for Indian Chess
D Gukesh’s victory also represents a significant milestone for Indian chess, following in the footsteps of Viswanathan Anand, who was India’s first World Chess Champion. Gukesh’s triumph is a reminder that India’s chess legacy is thriving, with the next generation of grandmasters ready to take the game to new heights. His win also serves as an inspiration for young players across the globe, showing that hard work, focus, and dedication can lead to success at the highest levels of competition.
Conclusion: A New Era for Chess
With his historic World Chess Championship victory, D Gukesh has proven that age is no obstacle when it comes to achieving greatness in chess. While his coach Grzegorz Gajewski believes Gukesh’s style will never mirror that of Magnus Carlsen, it’s clear that the young champion has his own unique approach, blending calculation with precision. As Gukesh continues to develop his skills and carve his own path, the chess world will be watching closely to see how he evolves into one of the greats.
Whether it’s his methodical approach or his ability to challenge chess legends, Gukesh’s journey has only just begun. The future of chess looks brighter than ever with young players like him leading the way.
