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World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen’s unfiltered feedback has sparked a moment of introspection for reigning chess world champion D Gukesh. The Norwegian grandmaster, a titan with five World Chess Championship titles and five World Rapid Chess crowns, has long admired the Indian prodigy’s meteoric rise. At just 18, Gukesh dethroned China’s Ding Liren to become the youngest Classical World Champion in history. But Carlsen’s recent critique—praising Gukesh’s classical prowess while bluntly highlighting gaps in his game—has pushed the teenager to reassess his approach. What began as mutual respect now hinges on a challenge: evolve or stagnate.
Magnus Carlsen’s Blunt Take: “He’s not good at Rapid or Blitz”
In a candid podcast appearance, Carlsen dissected Gukesh’s strengths and weaknesses, reserving sharp criticism for the young champion’s performance in faster formats.
“He’s not good at rapid chess, not good at blitz, he’s not good at other forms,” Magnus Carlsen stated. “But he has made all his studies about classical chess.”
The remarks struck a chord, as D Gukesh’s dominance in classical chess (ranked world No. 3) contrasts starkly with his struggles in rapid (sub-2700 Elo) and blitz. Even the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam exposed flaws, with Gukesh finishing eighth without a single win.
The critique, while harsh, isn’t dismissive. Carlsen’s words underscore a strategic gap: Gukesh’s laser focus on classical chess has left him vulnerable in dynamic, time-pressed formats. For a player hailed as the future of the sport, versatility is non-negotiable.
Gukesh’s response: “A Long Way to Go”
To his credit, Gukesh isn’t shying from the challenge.
“I’m honored to win the world championship title, but there’s a long way to go before comparing myself to Magnus,” he admitted at a recent sports conclave. Acknowledging Magnus Carlsen as a benchmark, he vowed to broaden his repertoire: “I have to improve in other formats—rapid, blitz, now freestyle. When you have nothing to work on, you get bored. I have lots to look forward to.”
The admission reveals maturity. While his classical chess rating (2787) cements his elite status, D Gukesh recognizes that true greatness demands mastery across all disciplines. Carlsen’s critique, rather than deterring him, has become a roadmap.
Can D Gukesh bridge the gap?
Magnus Carlsen’s own career offers a blueprint. The Norwegian’s dominance in classical, rapid, and blitz formats—coupled with his adaptability—has solidified his legacy. For Gukesh, balancing his classical precision with faster-time-control creativity is the next frontier. It won’t be easy: rapid and blitz demand instinctive calculation, a skill honed through relentless practice and risk-taking.
Yet D Gukesh’s humility and work ethic suggest he’s up for the task. As he grinds to expand his chess IQ, fans await a potential rivalry that could redefine the sport. After all, in chess—as in life—the harshest critiques often pave the way for the greatest comebacks.
