D. Gukesh Embraces Experimentation Ahead of FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships

As the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships approach, D. Gukesh reveals his strategy of prioritizing enjoyment and experimentation over high expectations. Despite a challenging season, he aims to play quickly and capitalize on opportunities. With a strong Indian contingent alongside him, Gukesh's focus remains on classical chess, while he embraces the chance to learn and have fun in the tournament. Magnus Carlsen also shares insights on maintaining a positive mindset during competitions. Discover more about Gukesh's approach and the dynamics of the upcoming championships.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 25, 2025, 21:58 IST

Gukesh's Approach to the Upcoming Championships

World champion D. Gukesh has expressed that classical chess remains his primary focus, stating he holds minimal expectations for the upcoming FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships, which kick off this Friday.

Entering this prestigious tournament with a prize pool of one million euros, Gukesh reflects on a season that has not met his expectations, including an early departure from the recent FIDE World Cup in Goa. He mentioned that his goal is to experiment, enjoy the experience, and have fun during the competition.

“For me, performing well in any format is essential, and I've been taking rapid and blitz formats more seriously this year. However, I still prioritize classical events over these,” the 19-year-old remarked during a media session that also featured five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen.

“I don’t have high expectations for this event. I’m here to play, experiment, and enjoy chess while having fun,” Gukesh added, highlighting the presence of a strong Indian team.

Alongside Gukesh, notable Indian players such as R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, P Harikrishna, and Vidit Gujrathi are participating, while Carlsen and Iranian-French Grandmaster Alireza Firouzja are anticipated to lead the competition in the Open category.

Gukesh aims to play quickly and capitalize on any opportunities that arise. “I had valuable practice at the Global Chess League in Mumbai, where I faced several strong opponents in rapid games. I’m eager to engage in more fast-paced matches and will focus on each game to maximize my chances,” he explained, recalling his earlier victory over Carlsen in Norway Chess this year, despite a subsequent dip in form.

He also shared his strategy for challenging situations, emphasizing the importance of endurance and wearing down his opponents, a skill that experts have noted as an area for improvement.

“In difficult moments, the key motivation is to avoid losing. You aim to hold on and many defenders share this trait, focusing on surviving one move at a time and hoping for mistakes from the opponent,” Gukesh elaborated.

Conversely, Magnus Carlsen offered a different perspective, suggesting that maintaining an optimistic yet slightly delusional mindset is preferable to being realistic or pessimistic.

“The ideal mental state during a chess match, and in between games, is to find a balance between optimism and delusion. If you lean towards realism or pessimism, you may not apply enough pressure or seize opportunities,” Carlsen, the reigning Blitz world champion, stated.

“It’s a complex situation, with many ups and downs throughout games and tournaments, but striving to remain positive and viewing the glass as half full is vital. Personally, I experience doubts like everyone else, but a positive outlook is incredibly beneficial, and I believe Gukesh embodies that mindset as well,” he concluded, despite not being directly asked about the young Indian champion.