What a beautiful post! I completely agree with your sentiments about Gukesh. His recent performances, both on and off the board, have been truly inspiring, and it’s incredible to see such maturity and sportsmanship from someone so young. He is proving himself as a remarkable chess player and a true ambassador for the game.
A Few Thoughts:
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Attributes of a Gentleman: Gukesh’s humility and composure, even in high-stakes situations, stand out in an era where competitive pressure often leads to emotional outbursts or unsportsmanlike behaviour. It’s refreshing to see a player who embraces the ideals of respect, determination, and love for the game, much like Max Euwe did in his time.
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Love for Chess: That quote you referenced—“I just wanted to play on, I LOVE chess”—speaks volumes about his passion for the game. It reminds us all why we started playing chess in the first place: for the joy, the challenge, and the beauty it brings. It’s a sentiment that can reignite our love for the game, regardless of our level.
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Dealing with Loss: Gukesh’s example of embracing loss as part of the journey is a powerful lesson for all of us. Losses can be painful, but they are also growth opportunities. His ability to bounce back stronger and learn from setbacks is what separates great players from the rest. It’s a mindset we can all strive to adopt in both chess and life.
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Role Model for the Future: At just 18, Gukesh’s journey is just beginning, and he has already achieved so much. What’s even more remarkable is how he carries himself, setting a standard for sportsmanship and perseverance that younger players can look up to. He’s showing the world that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of kindness and integrity.
Your post is a wonderful reminder of why players like Gukesh are so important to the chess world. He inspires us not just to play better but to be better—more resilient, more passionate, and more respectful.
Let’s hope his example inspires a whole generation of players to approach the game with the same love and dedication he has. What are your thoughts on incorporating his mindset into your chess journey?
After watching Gukesh win the championship today and watching the final press conference, it is obvious that he is the embodiment of the attributes listed in the title. What a great role model for me and for chess as a whole. Having recently seen notable examples of the opposite of those attributes displayed by other players around the world, Gukesh's gentlemanly example is a breath of fresh air. Much has been said about what a gentlemen former champion Max Euwe was, and now we may have a new champion who even exceeds that example! And he is only 18!
He is also a great example for me about dealing with loss in chess. Loss is part of the journey and embracing loss and then fighting hard to overcome it and get better can be so satisfying. Thank you Gukesh for providing a never give up example.
At one point in the match when playing on in a likely drawn position Gukesh remarked, and I paraphrase, " I just wanted to play on , I LOVE chess". In my own life I hope to keep maintaining such a love for the game.