World Champion Gukesh Hunts Form at Norway Chess

The 18-year-old is hoping to find wins, rediscover consistency and turn around a rough patch

- Rutvick Mehta

STAVANGER: As D Gukesh sat down for his social media commitments with Norway Chess ahead of the tournament, he was asked to read out from a little placard looking into the camera as a promo for the broadcasters.

"Hi, I'm Gukesh. I'm the world No. 3..."

He paused, glanced down at the placard and, wearing a slightly puzzled look, tried piecing together the rest of the script. Someone from among the handful watching on whispered: "you're the world champion!"

"Can I say that?" Gukesh inquired. "Of course," came the reply. The script was tweaked, and "world No. 3" was mentally erased.

It's great to become the youngest world chess champion in history at 18. But it's far from easy. The title brings an unprecedented level of attention in India, heightened interest globally, and a steep rise in expectations. The soft-spoken teen from Chennai isn't used to it all—nor is he a natural at it (though he doesn't mind the occasional dance).

In this small Norwegian town, where all players are cooped up in the same hotel, you might catch Magnus Carlsen watching basketball on his iPad at breakfast or Arjun Erigaisi chatting with his mother over lunch. Gukesh, however, has been a rare sight in such common areas, appearing mostly for official tournament engagements.