'It's in my best interest to skip…': World champion Gukesh to skip part of Grand Chess Tour to focus on training
(Courtesy : @gukesh.official/Twitter)
Gukesh, the youngest world champion in history, has endured a poor run of form since the start of 2025 after a historic 2024 season
Reigning world champion D Gukesh has announced a measured step back from an intensive tournament schedule, citing the need to rediscover his best form after a string of underwhelming performances.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Gukesh acknowledged the dip in his results and its impact on both him and his supporters. “My performance in the last few events has been quite disappointing, not just for me, but for all of you who support me,” he wrote.
The 18-year-old revealed that, after discussions with his team, a conscious decision has been made to reduce competitive intensity in the coming months. The focus, he emphasized, will shift toward structured training rather than continuous participation in high-level events.
“In order to find my best form my team and I have decided that I should compete with slightly less intensity over the next few months,” Gukesh said.
He further explained that this approach includes avoiding long and demanding tournaments, particularly those requiring extended travel away from home. “Consequently, we feel it is in my best interest to skip long events away from home to allow for more dedicated training time.”
As part of this revised schedule, Gukesh has opted for selective participation in the Grand Chess Tour. He confirmed that he reached out to the organizers with a specific request to limit his appearances to two events on the circuit.
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“With this in mind, I approached the Grand Chess Tour organizers and asked to play only two European Rapid & Blitz events. They were very supportive and understanding,” he stated.
Gukesh will now feature only in the Rapid & Blitz tournaments in Warsaw and Zagreb, two key stops on the tour that focus on shorter formats of the game. He expressed appreciation for the flexibility shown by the organizers, adding, “I’m very grateful for their support.”
Importantly, the young champion clarified that he will not take part in any additional events within the Grand Chess Tour this season. “Respectfully, I am not planning to play any other events during the Grand Chess Tour schedule and will certainly be back for the full Grand Chess Tour in the future,” he said.
The decision reflects a long-term approach to sustaining peak performance at the highest level of chess. By prioritizing preparation over volume, Gukesh aims to reset and return stronger, signaling maturity in managing both expectations and workload at a crucial stage of his career.
Why has D Gukesh withdrawn from Grand Chess Tour?
The reigning world champion has said in a statement on social media that he needed to step back from competitions and focus on training to rediscover his best form.
What did D Gukesh say in his statement on social media?
“My performance in the last few events has been quite disappointing, not just for me, but for all of you who support me. In order to find my best form my team and I have decided that I should compete with slightly less intensity over the next few months. Consequently, we feel it is in my best interest to skip long events away from home to allow for more dedicated training time. With this in mind, I approached the Grand Chess Tour organizers and asked to play only two European Rapid & Blitz events. They were very supportive and understanding…I’m very grateful for their support. Respectfully, I am not planning to play any other events during the Grand Chess Tour schedule and will certainly be back for the full Grand Chess Tour in the future.”
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Farzan is a journalist at Khel Now covering Indian Olympic sports and kabaddi. With five years of experience working with major sports organizations like Chennaiyin FC, Dabang Delhi K.C., Rajasthan Royals, and Yuva Kabaddi Series, he brings diverse expertise. Farzan has covered two Olympics, one Commonwealth Games, and one Asian Games, making his knowledge of Indian sports broad and versatile.