NEW DELHI: World Chess Champion Gukesh Dommaraju has admitted that handling the success of becoming the youngest-ever world champion at the age of 18 has not been easy.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 87th edition of the Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2025 in Wijk aan Zee, Gukesh revealed that, despite some challenges, he has had people around him who helped keep him on track.
"I have to admit the success has not been easy to deal with. I might've drifted a bit here and there. But the most important thing is that there are people around me who are always there to remind me whenever I go off the track," he told Dutch outlet NOS.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. "I am happy that chess is getting the kind of attention that only cricket usually gets in India. After a month, coming back to Wijk aan Zee and focusing on chess is also very nice. The world champion title is nice to have, but there is still a long way to go to be the best. I am just looking to reach my full potential," he added.
Despite being the world champion, Gukesh doesn't yet consider himself the best in the world.
"Yeah, not yet. Considering my age, 18, it is not a crime not to be the best in the world. But I try to keep pushing and proving myself.
"It is Magnus Carlsen for now," Gukesh opined, addressing the question about the current best in the world.
When asked about inspiring the younger generation at the age of 18, Gukesh said, "I don't consider myself an idol. But I get that some people are inspired by looking at my games. People learn from me, and I am very happy to know that. I don't think too much about being 18. I just do my best and try to be myself."
Gukesh has, however, had a commendable start to the "Wimbledon of Chess" this time, staying undefeated after eight rounds. Currently, playing his first tournament since becoming the world champion, he shares the top position in the Masters leader board alongside Nodirbek Abdusattorov and compatriot Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu with a score of 5.5/8.
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