World Champion Gukesh suffers three shocking defeats at Grand Swiss 2025, raising questions about pressure, fatigue and his path to recovery
1. The Shockwave: Three Losses in a Row
Gukesh’s Grand Swiss Stumble: A Champion’s Unexpected Fall – Dommaraju Gukesh, the 19-year-old chess prodigy and reigning World Champion, is facing one of the toughest moments of his career. At the prestigious FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Gukesh has suffered three back-to-back defeats, an unexpected hattrick of losses that has stunned fans and experts alike.
His downfall began in Round 5, when he lost to American teenager Abhimanyu Mishra. That match was historic—not just because Gukesh lost, but because Mishra became the youngest player ever to defeat a reigning world champion in classical chess. In Round 6, Gukesh fell again, this time to Greece’s Nikolas Theodorou. Then came Round 7, where Turkish Grandmaster Ediz Gurel handed Gukesh his third consecutive defeat. Each of these opponents was rated lower than Gukesh, making the losses even more surprising.
The chess world watched in disbelief as Gukesh, known for his calm and calculated style, made critical errors in the endgame. In his match against Gurel, a blunder on move 40 followed by a risky bishop sacrifice sealed his fate. Cameras captured Gukesh holding his head in his hands, visibly shaken, a rare sight for someone usually composed under pressure.
2. What Went Wrong?
Many are asking: what’s happening to Gukesh? Just months ago, he was celebrated as the youngest World Champion in history. Now, he’s struggling to stay afloat in a tournament where he was expected to dominate.
Experts suggest several possible reasons. One is mental fatigue. After winning the World Championship, Gukesh has been under intense pressure to perform. The expectations, media attention, and constant travel may be taking a toll on his focus and energy. Another possibility is overtraining too much preparation without enough rest can lead to burnout, even for elite players.
There’s also the psychological impact of being the hunted rather than the hunter. As World Champion, every opponent now prepares deeply to beat him. The pressure of defending his title in every match can be mentally exhausting.
Whatever the reason, Gukesh’s current form is worrying. With only 3 points from 7 rounds, he’s almost out of contention for the Grand Swiss title. He now faces the challenge of rebuilding his confidence and finishing the tournament with dignity.
3. The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Indian Chess
Gukesh’s struggles come at a time when Indian chess is booming. While he falters, other Indian players are rising. Nihal Sarin, another young grandmaster, has taken the lead at the Grand Swiss with 5.5 points, defeating top players like Parham Maghsoodloo. Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa are also in strong positions with 4.5 points each.
This shift shows the depth of talent in Indian chess. It’s no longer about one star—it’s a generation of players pushing each other to greater heights. Gukesh’s setback may be painful, but it also highlights the competitive spirit and unpredictability of the sport.
In the women’s section, Vaishali Rameshbabu and Divya Deshmukh are making headlines with impressive wins. Divya, in fact, has more points than Gukesh at this stage, and they are set to face each other in Round 8, a match that could either revive Gukesh’s morale or deepen his crisis.
4. A Champion’s Test: Can Gukesh Bounce Back?
Every great athlete faces setbacks. What defines a champion is not just how they win, but how they respond to defeat. Gukesh is only 19. He has already achieved what few can dream of. This rough patch, while painful, could be the turning point that shapes his future.
Chess history is full of legends who stumbled before rising again Magnus Carlsen, Viswanathan Anand, Garry Kasparov. Gukesh now joins that list, facing the test of resilience. His next few games will be watched closely not just for results, but for signs of recovery.
Fans still believe in him. Social media is filled with messages of support, reminding him that one tournament doesn’t define a career. If Gukesh can learn from these losses, adjust his mindset, and return stronger, this Grand Swiss may become a valuable chapter in his journey not a failure, but a lesson.
As the tournament continues, all eyes will be on the young champion. Will he rise again? The board is set, the clock is ticking, and the world is watching.
Also read: Gukesh Topples Carlsen Again: Silent Resignation Marks a New Era in Chess Supremacy
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