Indian GM Adhiban B shared his opinion on Gukesh Dommaraju in an interview with The Hindu. Adhiban says that Gukesh always proves himself when people do not believe in him. Adhiban calls Gukesh the favorite in the FIDE World Championship 2026.

Adhiban B

Adhiban B

Indian GM

“[Question: Not many people are betting on the reigning World champion as he hasn’t been in good form after winning the title in 2024]

Well, I believe Gukesh has excellent chances. The way he played at the Olympiad should help his confidence.

I think the thing is, he should not try to go back to who he was. He should just find a new version of himself. He has changed a lot and now so many things are different. He has to rediscover himself.

Gukesh is someone who has risen above the expectations. Whatever hurdle you throw at him, he will cross that. A few years back, me and Anish Giri had this running joke. When Gukesh was doing so well in Classical chess, we would say: “Okay at least he is bad at Rapid chess”.

Then he ended up winning some Rapid games somewhere. Anish and I now said: “At least he is still bad at Blitz”. Then he won against Kramnik in Armageddon. Then, after crossing 2700, he came below that. Now we said: “Maybe he is not 2700 level yet”.

Then he comes to the Olympiad and destroys everyone. The moment you think he is done or he is not ready for something, he always proves himself.

Sindarov has been in great form. But when it comes to the peaks of their chess, I feel Gukesh is better than Sindarov. I may be biased, but my favorite for the World title this year is Gukesh.”

Gukesh Dommaraju won a silver medal for his play on board 4 at the Chess Olympiad 2026. He gained +7.1 Classical points during the event and moved up to 29th place in the live rating. Gukesh will play in the 2026 FIDE World Championship against Javokhir Sindarov in Geneva from November 25 to December 15.

Credit: Michal Walusza / Norway Chess