"I think most of us, including me, understand that these setbacks are not some chess mistakes or weaknesses…" — Gukesh on His Performance Decline

Gukesh Dommaraju

Reigning World Champion

“[Sagar Shah: How have you taken these recent tough results? What are you doing to, sort of, come out of that phase and come out stronger?]

I think, clearly, so far, I’ve not been able to handle it in the best possible way. There have been maybe 2 or 3 tournaments in the last one year that I’ve been happy about.

For example, the Super Rapid & Blitz Croatia 2026. I mean the Rapid, not the Blitz so much. The European Chess Club Cup 2025 was like half tournament. The Tata Steel Masters in 2025 was a good one.

There have been major setbacks. And I think most of us, including me, understand that these things are not some chess mistakеs or chess weaknesses. Because the positions I got in Chennai, for example, I would win in my sleep, basically.

So obviously there is something with a lot of expectations, a lot of pressure that I’m dealing with. And I’ve not found the right way to maybe handle it.

Right now, how I’m trying to handle it, is that I’m just trying to prioritize fun. I’m trying to be happy every day, smile every day. I think when you’re in a happy state, when you are fulfilled with it, you can also show it on the board. You can perform your art in a very free manner.

I’m working hard, but I’m also trying to make sure that I do things that I enjoy outside of chess. I don’t know if that’s the right way, but that’s my best thinking right now. So, let’s see.”