Santosh Gujrathi Vidit

Indian GM

“I don’t consider myself an active player anymore. It was a conscious decision towards the end of last year, I decided to reduce playing, I did not play all the serious events this year. Before some tournaments like the Grand Swiss, where I had confirmed participation, I was even thinking till the last minute if I should play or not. I did not feel like playing.

After the Candidates, I felt burnt out and then I was lost, I had achieved (qualifying for the tournament), and I just didn’t feel the motivation. For three years (2022 to 2024), I went very intense, working 14-16 hours a day, and it was not sustainable. I was questioning if I really wanted to keep this schedule. I wanted to take a step back. And when I started to do other things that I enjoy, I was in a dilemma. That’s when I decided I’ll consciously reduce playing.

It’s very intense. I was so focused on improving that I was breathing, eating and living chess. But I have no regrets about that, I’m very happy that I did that because at least now I’m at peace because I did everything that I could.

Now that I’ve been through everything, I know what is required to reach the top, If I work with a promising talent, I can really hone that person to the next level. That could be another way for me to reach the World Championship.”