'Can't Compare Himself To...'! Judith Polgar Reflects On 'Difficult Fight Within' Gukesh Since Crowning Moment

Last Updated:March 13, 2026, 15:50 IST

Polgar noted that the Indian star has been a totally different player since his crowning moment and that the pressure of carrying the title have taken a toll on him.

Legendary Hungarian chess player Judith Polgar weighed in on World Champion D Gukesh’s form since he won the coveted crown over a year ago, explaining the possible reasons for the champion’s downturn.

Polgar, a four-time World Champion herself, reflected on the psychological changes the young Indian has had to deal with since his moment in the sun and opined that the 20-year-old would have his task cut out if he seeks to retain his title.

“There is a very, very big question mark whether Gukesh can stay the world champion at the end of this year," Polgar began.

“I’m sure Gukesh has a great future, but I’m not sure he’s going to be world champion after the next world championship match. But it doesn’t mean he’s not going to regain it again if it happens," she added.

Gukesh scripted history in he year 2024 by becoming the youngest World Champion as he got the better of Ding Lire in the final to pick up the crown. However, his drop in form ever since has been stark with the youngster looking a shadow of his former self.

“First of all, he was extremely young when he became a world champion. In the world championship, he had a very special momentum because Ding Liren was very clearly having very difficult psychological and mental issues."

“At the same time, I think it was fantastic for Gukesh that he did not win on the chessboard, but he won because of his mental strength. Gukesh was able to stand the pressure better. He was ready to make mistakes, but bounce back from them. He was ready to concentrate and focus. Like in a safari, the jaguar comes and attacks when he’s hunting. So he was ready for this, that whenever Ding made a mistake, he was ready. This is what happened with rook to f2 in the final game."

Polgar reiterated that Gukesh was able to put it past Liren because of his mental preparation and his ability to bid his time before striking at the opportune moment.

“At that world championship in November-December 2024, Gukesh played well, but he did not play so much better than Ding at all. But psychological and mental strength, I think it was a very important part of his preparation, and that paid off," added Polgar.

However, Polgar noted that the Indian star has been a totally different player since his crowning moment and that the pressure of carrying the title have taken a toll on him.

“Ever since he became world champion, it’s been a completely different shift. When you’re a challenger, you’re the underdog, even though many people thought that he was a great favorite against Ding. Not because of his chess knowledge, it’s because of looking at everything as a whole. And his chess was not there yet."

Polgar also touched upon he daylight between Gukesh and modern day legend Magnus Carlsen, who has managed to clinch the title five times.

“I mean, Gukesh cannot compare himself to Magnus Carlsen. He said it himself many times that he has a lot to learn. But you know, the world is watching him not as a challenger anymore, but the world champion. And there are suddenly expectations from him, while he does not necessarily have the knowledge yet."

Polgar concluded by stating that Gukesh has to focus not just on his technical development going forward, but also has to train his mental fortitude and strength to surge ahead.

“I’m sure it has been a very, very difficult fight within himself: how can I grow up to this expectation that the world has? Of course, I see his interviews and I see that he’s dealing with it, that he wants to play better chess, he wants to, he has to improve and so on and so on. But still, when the world is looking at you, how are you performing as a world champion? More than the world’s disappointment, the problem is his disappointment with himself."

“He has to not only work on his chess, but also has to spend a lot of time on his psychological mental preparation. How not to be afraid of making mistakes and play it out," she added.

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