Gukesh became the world classical chess champion by luck or by talent?

Gukesh: The World Chess Champion – Talent or Luck?

The chess world has a new champion, and his name is Dommaraju Gukesh. At just 18 years old, he has amazed everyone by becoming the youngest World Chess Champion in history. His victory has started a debate: Did he win because of talent, or was luck also involved?

The Rise of a Young Star
Gukesh’s journey is incredible. Born in 2006, he started playing chess at seven and quickly showed great skill. By 12, he became a grandmaster, just missing the record for the youngest ever. His success comes from hard work, long hours of practice, and a deep love for the game.

His big moment came in the 2024 Candidates Tournament, where he defeated many strong players. This gave him the chance to challenge The Chinese World Champion Ding Liren. In a tough match, Gukesh won and made history. 

Talent: The Key to His Success?
Many chess experts say that Gukesh won because of his talent and deep understanding of the game. Former World Champion Viswanathan Anand said:

“Gukesh’s ability to calculate and plan is far beyond his years. He stays calm under pressure, which is rare even among top players.”
Gukesh plays an attacking yet smart game. He knows how to handle complex situations and turn small advantages into wins. Some compare him to legends like Garry Kasparov and Bobby Fischer.

His success is the result of years of training, discipline, and guidance from great coaches.

Did Luck Play a Role?
While talent and hard work are clear, some believe luck also helped Gukesh’s journey to the top.

Chess is not just about skill; other factors like opponents’ mistakes, tournament situations, and mental pressure can change results. In the Candidates Tournament, some top players like Ian Nepomniachtchi and Fabiano Caruana had bad games, which helped Gukesh. In the World Championship match, Ding Liren was not in his best form, which also gave Gukesh an advantage.

But as people say, luck favors the prepared mind. Gukesh did not just get lucky—he was ready to take every chance he got.

                     Gukesh with his World Championship Trophy

What Experts Say
Former World Champion Magnus Carlsen shared his thoughts:

“Becoming World Champion is never about luck. You don’t win a big event like the Candidates Tournament or a Championship match by accident. Gukesh played really well and deserved the title.”
Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura also added:

“Luck can play a part, but champions create their own luck. Gukesh was prepared and took his opportunities.”

The Final Game: A Historic Moment
Gukesh’s final game in the World Championship was a thrilling battle that showcased his deep calculation skills and nerves of steel. Facing the talented chinese GM Ding Liren in the decisive game, Gukesh played with confidence and precision. His strategic planning and tactical awareness helped him gain an advantage in the middlegame, leading to a winning position.

At last Former World Champion Ding Liren blundered and Gukesh spots the mistake and played the winning move . Ding Liren had a bad time in 2024 but he had also beated Gukesh 2 times in the World Championship match .I expect Ding will made a comeback soon.

                                                          Final game Gukesh vs Ding

Final Thoughts: Talent Over Luck
Some outside factors might have helped, but Gukesh’s success comes mostly from his talent, hard work, and mental strength. Chess rewards skill, deep thinking, and persistence—qualities Gukesh has shown many times.

As the new World Champion, the chess world is excited to see what’s next for him. His victory is not just a personal achievement but also an inspiration for young players everywhere. It proves that with dedication and passion, dreams can come true.

What do you think? Did Gukesh win because of talent, or did luck help him? Share your thoughts in the comments!