Reigning world champion D Gukesh ended his Global Chess League campaign on a positive note by defeating mentor Viswanathan Anand in the final blitz game, helping Alaskan Knights finish third in the standings.
The win marked Gukesh’s first victory over Anand in the tournament after two losses and two draws, highlighting a rare moment where the student finally bested the master.
Facing a legend brings mental challenges
Gukesh admitted that competing against Anand was mentally tougher than facing most opponents, largely due to the respect he holds for the five-time world champion.
“It’s kind of tricky to play against him. For me, it’s like you’re playing against God. I’ve always seen him in that sense,” Gukesh said, according to News18.com.
He added that finding the killer instinct against Anand was difficult, something that affected his decision-making during crucial moments.
“I just have too much respect for him, I think,” he said.
Missed chances before the final breakthrough
The 19-year-old revealed that he had several winning positions earlier in the match but failed to capitalise due to hesitation and Anand’s quick play.
“Obviously, I had at least three winning positions. He was playing very fast, and I kind of hesitated here and there,” Gukesh explained, according to News18.com.
Despite those setbacks, he managed to avoid defeat in the final blitz encounter and secure a morale-boosting win.
A mixed season after world title
Since becoming the youngest world chess champion in history last December, Gukesh has endured an inconsistent 2025 season. He exited early at the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam, FIDE Grand Swiss and suffered a shock third-round loss at the FIDE World Cup in Goa.
However, the year also featured positives, including a victory over world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen at Norway Chess and an individual gold medal at the European Club Cup in October.
Anand urges patience amid scrutiny
Viswanathan Anand recently defended his protégé, suggesting that external pressure rather than form was affecting Gukesh.
“Setbacks are inevitable. Gukesh’s crisis probably has more to do with the demands of social media than with his chess,” Anand said, according to News18.com.
The veteran added that fluctuations are part of the sport and that Gukesh’s core strength as a player remains intact.
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