October 31, 2025 : Reigning World Chess Champion D. Gukesh has already made history as one of the youngest players to ever win the world title, but now all eyes are on whether the teenage grandmaster can conquer yet another prestigious crown — the FIDE World Cup.
The chess prodigy from Chennai, who stunned the world by dethroning Ding Liren earlier this year, is set to compete in the upcoming World Cup, which begins in Baku. The event, a grueling knockout tournament, is known for its unpredictability and pressure — even the strongest players in history, including Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand, have acknowledged how mentally exhausting it can be.
A new challenge after the world title
Winning the World Championship is considered the pinnacle of chess, but the World Cup offers a completely different format and test of nerves. Instead of long classical matches, players face a series of two-game mini-matches, followed by rapid and blitz tiebreakers if scores are level. One bad move or time scramble can end even a world champion’s run.
For Gukesh, the challenge will be maintaining focus and energy through multiple rounds while facing a mix of veterans and rising stars hungry to make their mark. Despite his proven skill in classical chess, his rapid and blitz record has been solid but not yet dominant — an area he has been working to strengthen under the guidance of coach Grandmaster RB Ramesh.
Recent form and preparation
Since becoming World Champion, Gukesh has had a packed schedule, including invitational tournaments, exhibitions, and public appearances. Yet insiders say his training remains rigorous. Sources close to his team reveal that he has focused on deep opening preparation, particularly in faster time controls, and psychological resilience training to handle the pressure of knockout formats.
In recent tournaments, he’s displayed strong form, drawing praise from chess legends like Viswanathan Anand and Vladimir Kramnik. His accuracy, composure, and calm under pressure have been compared to the greats, while his creativity reminds many of the early days of Magnus Carlsen.
Rivals to watch
The World Cup will feature some of the biggest names in chess — Magnus Carlsen, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Hikaru Nakamura, and Fabiano Caruana — each known for excelling in shorter formats. Carlsen, the 2023 champion, will be keen to reclaim dominance, while Nakamura’s speed chess prowess makes him a top contender.
Other threats include Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu and Arjun Erigaisi, Gukesh’s compatriots who have been in exceptional form. A potential all-Indian clash deep in the tournament could be one of the most anticipated matchups of the year.
The significance of a World Cup win
For Gukesh, winning the World Cup would not just add another title to his name — it would make him the first reigning World Champion to hold both the World Championship and the World Cup simultaneously since Carlsen. Such a feat would cement his status as one of the greatest young talents in the game’s modern history.
The World Cup also carries immense prestige because it determines qualification spots for the next Candidates Tournament — though Gukesh already has automatic entry as the world champion. His participation, therefore, is less about qualification and more about proving all-round supremacy.
What experts say
Grandmaster Susan Polgar commented that Gukesh’s consistency and maturity at such a young age are “unlike anything chess has seen since the rise of Magnus Carlsen.” However, she also noted that “the World Cup is not just about skill — it’s about endurance and adaptability.”
Viswanathan Anand, who has been a mentor figure for Gukesh, recently said, “If anyone can adapt to different formats quickly, it’s Gukesh. He learns faster than most and doesn’t dwell on mistakes.”
What lies ahead
The World Cup will test not only Gukesh’s preparation but also his stamina. Each round gets tougher, with increasing media attention and pressure from global fans. Still, Gukesh’s quiet confidence and unflappable demeanor make him one of the top favorites.
If he wins, it will mark yet another milestone in a career that already seems destined for greatness. For now, fans around the world — from India to Europe — are waiting to see whether this young champion can once again defy expectations and bring home another glittering trophy.
Summary
World Champion Gukesh eyes the FIDE World Cup title, aiming to prove his dominance across formats. His preparation, consistency, and mental strength make him one of the tournament’s top contenders.