'Defeats teach you more than wins’

Mumbai: D Gukesh is learning that the real challenge begins after the win. After becoming the youngest world chess champion in history, expectations — from others and himself — have grown sharper.

As he experiments with formats, absorbs losses and prepares to defend his title, the 18-year-old reflects on pressure and growth.Excerpts from an interview.

How did life feel different in the days after becoming world champion?The whole journey in 2024 — the Candidates, the Olympiad, and the World Championship — was very successful and very beautiful, but it also changed a lot of things around me. There were a lot of expectations and other things to deal with.

The last year (after the title) has had a lot of positives but also brought challenges.When you replay the match now, which moment stands out the most?The moment I was most proud of myself was during the streak of seven draws. I was getting frustrated and starting to panic. Then my coach, Gaju (Polish Grandmaster Grzegorz Gajewski) and I had a good conversation. Considering it was my first World Championship and the expectations, I was very happy with the mental strength I showed.

Were there losses that were more important for your growth than wins?Definitely. Considering my age, even though I’ve been at the top for a few years, I still need a lot of experience. In general, losses teach you more than wins. Confidence can take a hit when things go badly.Did you look at the memes that followed after the viral moment with Magnus Carlsen last year?When it happened, I didn’t really realise it because I was mostly shocked by the way the game turned around. I didn’t pay much attention to him banging the table at that moment.

Later, when I saw the videos and memes, I laughed quite a bit.How does it feel to be named Titan of the Year, and to see Indian brands supporting chess?Being named Titan of the Year is very special, both personally and because it shows chess is getting more spotlight. I’m really happy that major Indian brands are supporting chess.