Gukesh: "I was a very impulsive kid, used to throw a lot of tantrums... I even broke a phone once!"

Gukesh Dommaraju

Reigning World Champion

“I was a very, very impulsive kid. I used to throw a lot of tantrums. I used to break stuff, and all those things… When there is a lot of stakes on the line there is lot of pressure in certain moments. And I’ve had the opportunity to face it from very young age.

So, I realized at some point… Maybe I was too little to realize, but my trainers kind of suggested that I take care of these things. And actually, the emotional control came with a lot of practice.

Last thing I broke? When I go back to my room, I break some things. I think I broke a phone once.

When something means so much to you, that passion turns into frustration sometimes. But I try to make sure that when I’m playing, when there is something that demands my absolute best, I try to maintain my cool. Sometimes I manage, sometimes I don’t, but it’s a work in progress.

Some people, when they’re aggressive, they’re able to find their best. And for me, staying calm, thinking with a clear head is what brings out the best in me.”