Russian GM Denis Lazavik shared his thoughts on the significance of the World Champion title. Lazavik notes that achieving the title is irrelevant, citing current World Champion Gukesh Dommaraja as an example.

Denis Lazavik

Denis Lazavik

Russian GM

“To become a World Champion? It’s completely unclear what that even means now. There is also this Total World Championship now…

It would, of course, be cool to become the strongest player in the world, like Magnus. But becoming World Champion… Like Gukesh for example — it’s unclear what that would give me at all. And besides, it’s unlikely anyway, because you have to put so much effort into all of this, and what’s the result? Everyone will just say that you are not the best player, that you play poorly in other tournaments and stuff like that.

I don’t think, of course, that Gukesh regrets becoming World Champion. But if he hadn’t become one, what would have changed in his life? It’s not clear what would have changed…”

Indian GM Gukesh Dommaraju (2754) became the youngest-ever World Champion in 2024. Discussions about the validity of Gukesh’s title often appear on social media. The most common argument is that he didn’t beat Magnus Carlsen, who is widely considered the best player in the world.

Credit: Aeroflot