World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju stated that he will skip major tournaments in the coming months. Gukesh explains that he needs more dedicated time for training, and speaks about his agreement with Grand Chess Tour organizers.

Gukesh Dommaraju

Gukesh Dommaraju

World Champion

“My performance in the last few events has been quite disappointing, not just for me, but for all of you who support me.

In order to find my best form my team and I have decided that I should compete with slightly less intensity over the next few months. Consequently, we feel it is in my best interest to skip long events away from home to allow for more dedicated training time.

With this in mind, I approached the Grand Chess Tour organizers and asked to play only two European Rapid & Blitz events. They were very supportive and understanding, and we agreed that I would participate in the Rapid & Blitz tournaments in Warsaw and Zagreb this year.

I’m very grateful for their support. Respectfully, I am not planning to play any other events during the Grand Chess Tour schedule and will certainly be back for the full Grand Chess Tour in the future!”

In March Gukesh Dommaraju (2732) finished last at the Prague International Chess Festival. In February Gukesh finished 9th at the Tata Steel Chess Masters 2026.

Credit: Lennart Ootes