Unexpected assessment sparks interest
Former world champion Viswanathan Anand, mentor to D Gukesh, stirred the chess world by bluntly grading the reigning champion’s performance at the Norway Chess tournament. Initially assigning a “D” grade, he ultimately elevated it to a “B”, acknowledging that Gukesh “got a lot of answers correct somehow.” Anand’s candid comments, relayed in a recent interview, reflect both high expectations and respect for Gukesh’s ability to survive against the world’s elite.
A look back: Anand’s evolving verdict
Earlier evaluations had been mixed. Before Norway Chess, Anand had given Gukesh a “C minus,” noting the champion’s tendency to rely on defensive skills. He urged the young prodigy to balance tenacity with proactive play. Following the tournament, the shift to a B grade highlighted both the strength and inconsistency in Gukesh’s display: mistakes were offset by key recoveries and resilience.
Rising hero: Gukesh’s breakthroughs and battles
Despite early struggles, missed tie-breaks, draws, and tough results in Freestyle events, Gukesh secured a major victory at Norway Chess. He achieved his first classical wins over high-profile opponents like Magnus Carlsen and Arjun Erigaisi, finishing a respectable third behind Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura. Carlsen’s defeat sparked a dramatic board-slamming moment, which reverberated across chess circles.
Carlsen’s emotional reaction: a turning point
Magnus Carlsen’s table smash after losing to Gukesh caught significant attention. Anand later analysed the outburst, saying Carlsen may have been trying to reassert dominance and control, only to be rattled by a young challenger. Anand also reminded audiences that Carlsen has contemplated stepping back from classical chess, though his status remains undisputed.
Public voices weigh in
Industrialist Anand Mahindra praised Gukesh’s composure in the aftermath. Posting on social media, he characterized Carlsen’s outburst as the “greatest compliment” and praised Gukesh’s calm demeanour, saying, “His silence roared louder than Carlsen’s exit.” Other Indian figures, including Prime Minister Modi, extended congratulations, reflecting growing national pride.
Mentor’s caution: balancing defense and aggression
Despite praise for Gukesh’s grit, Anand also offered constructive critique. He acknowledged the champion’s ability to persevere in difficult positions, but cautioned against making defensive survival a regular strategy. Anand urged him to “pick battles wisely” and not rely solely on opponent errors.
Broader implications: India’s chess surge
Gukesh’s emergence is part of a larger trend. With figures like Praggnanandhaa and Erigaisi rising, India’s presence in elite chess intensifies. Anand, in various interviews, compared the current wave to the Soviet Union’s dominant era, crediting coaching depth and healthy domestic rivalries. His own WestBridge-Anand Academy plays a central role in nurturing top talent.
The road ahead for Gukesh
At 19, Gukesh is still shaping his chess identity. Anand’s feedback underscores areas for growth: sharpening proactive play, choosing critical battles, and maintaining consistency. His first classical wins over Carlsen and Erigaisi mark a major step, but sustained performance in diverse formats is still in progress. The world title comes with pressure; Anand’s counsel aims to help Gukesh transform early promise into enduring dominance.
Chess’s evolving era
Norway Chess 2025 showcased a generational shift. Carlsen remains formidable, yet Gukesh and other young challengers are ready to reshape the narrative. Emotions at the board reflect deeper transitions. As Anand and public figures highlight, this is no longer the era of one titan, it’s a vibrant field of contenders pushing boundaries.
Overall, Anand’s candid grading reveals respect for Gukesh’s resilience while reminding him, and readers, of the grind ahead. It opens a larger discussion on tradition, innovation, and the next phase in chess evolution.
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