•D. Gukesh, the 19-year-old World Chess Champion, faces criticism over inconsistent performances in the past 18 months.
•He acknowledged his recent struggles but emphasized his right to focus on improving and performing to his potential.
•Gukesh expressed hope that the next World Chess Championship could be held in India, calling it a “supercool” opportunity despite the added pressure.
•He reflected on a viral moment from last year involving Magnus Carlsen’s reaction after a loss to Gukesh, calling it a positive sign for chess’s growing popularity.
•Norway Chess 2026 in Oslo, beginning May 26, serves as a key platform for Gukesh to regain form ahead of future title defenses.
•The tournament features top global players and is seen as a high-stakes event in the 2026 chess calendar.
•Gukesh turns 20 on May 29, 2026, marking another milestone in a career already defined by record-breaking achievements.
New Delhi, May 25, 2026: Defending World Chess Champion D. Gukesh, the young Indian grandmaster, has brushed aside mounting criticism over his recent performances while preparing for the Norway Chess tournament in Oslo. At 19 years old and turning 20 on May 29, Gukesh acknowledged a “patchy” 18-month period but expressed quiet confidence in turning things around, emphasizing consistent performance over external opinions.
Speaking to the media ahead of the prestigious event, Gukesh admitted that his form had fallen short of expectations since ascending to the world title. “I have not been performing well in the last one-and-a-half years and I think I would say that my performances have been way below expectations,” he said. However, he maintained a composed stance, affirming the right of critics to voice their views while asserting his own right to focus on improving his game. “They have the right to say what they feel and I have the right to do my best,” he added.
The Norway Chess tournament, being held in Oslo, marks a significant stop on Gukesh’s calendar as he continues to defend his title earned in 2024. Despite the criticism, Gukesh remains undeterred and spoke optimistically about the possibility of hosting the next World Championship in India. “Anywhere would be nice... In India there’s always a lot of pressure. The World Championships will attract a lot of attention. If it’s in India it will be supercool and I will be very happy,” he remarked.
Gukesh’s comments reflect both his ambition and the weight of expectations that come with being the world No. 1. While acknowledging the intense scrutiny that accompanies his title, he views a home championship as a special opportunity—despite the added pressure of defending his crown in front of a passionate domestic audience.
When asked about a memorable moment from last year’s tournament—a viral clip where Norway’s Magnus Carlsen banged the table after a loss to Gukesh—the young champion offered a measured perspective. “Chess players generally don’t show a lot of emotions but when it did happen, a lot of people got attracted to chess,” he said. The incident, though trivial in the grand scheme, highlighted the growing global interest in the sport and its rising stars.
Gukesh’s participation in Norway Chess 2026 is seen as a crucial step in regaining top form ahead of potential title defenses. The tournament, now in its 10th edition, draws the world’s elite players and serves as a high-profile platform for Gukesh to showcase his resurgence. The event, which runs from May 26 to June 6, 2026, features a strong field including former champions and rising contenders.
As Gukesh continues to navigate the pressures of world champion status, his calm demeanor and focus on improvement stand out. For a player who rose to prominence as India’s youngest-ever world No. 1, the journey from prodigy to champion has been marked by both brilliance and challenges. Yet, as he prepares to compete in Oslo, his message is clear: performance matters more than perception, and the best is yet to come.
