2 weeks ago
Nakamura Urges Gukesh to Accept Draws Before Title Defence
Hikaru Nakamura thinks Gukesh is trying too hard to win every chess game.
He says accepting more draws could help Gukesh stop losing points.
Gukesh’s chess rating has recently fallen to 2703.
Nakamura believes the pressure of being world champion may be hurting him.
Gukesh is also often compared with Magnus Carlsen, considered one of the greatest players ever.
His next major challenge is defending his world title against Javokhir Sindarov.
Nakamura thinks Sindarov is playing better right now.
However, he says Gukesh still has a real chance to win the match.
Hikaru Nakamura said D Gukesh should be more willing to accept draws instead of always seeking victories.
Nakamura linked Gukesh’s recent struggles to pressure from being world champion and constant comparisons with Magnus Carlsen.
Gukesh’s classical FIDE rating fell to 2703 in the August 2026 list.
Gukesh is preparing to defend his title against Uzbek challenger Javokhir Sindarov.
Nakamura rated Sindarov the likely winner at 75-25 based on current form, while saying Gukesh could still prevail.
- Who
- World No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura, reigning world champion D Gukesh, and Uzbek challenger Javokhir Sindarov.
- What
- Nakamura advised Gukesh to accept more draws and assessed Sindarov as the current favorite for their upcoming title match.
- Where
- Nakamura spoke to PTI at the Esports World Cup.
- When
- Nakamura made the comments before Gukesh’s title defence; Gukesh’s rating was listed at 2703 in August 2026.
- Why
- Nakamura believes Gukesh’s aggressive approach and the pressure of being world champion may be contributing to his dip in form.
Key facts
- Gukesh’s rating
- 2703 in the August 2026 classical FIDE rating list
- Upcoming opponent
- Uzbek challenger Javokhir Sindarov
- Nakamura’s match estimate
- Sindarov 75%, Gukesh 25%, based on current form
- Nakamura’s advice
- Be more willing to accept draws rather than always playing for wins
- Pressure factors
- The expectations of being world champion and comparisons with Magnus Carlsen
- Nakamura’s Esports World Cup result
- Third in the chess standings
- Gukesh’s age
- 20
Quotes
Hikaru Nakamura
World No. 2 and American grandmaster, commentator on Gukesh’s playstyle
“I don't necessarily understand the culture, all the pressure that he's facing. But I get the general sense that there's a lot of pressure whether it's external, whether it's internal. I think he's crumbling because of it. If he can kind of just block it all out, forget that he's world champion… his rating will go back up”
CNBC TV 18
“I don't know what Gukesh can do differently. I know what he should have done differently, which is to basically be willing to take draws in a lot of games instead of trying to play for the win”
CNBC TV 18
Sources
Related news
Sindarov Plays On as Gukesh Prepares Quietly for Title Defence
Praggnanandhaa Says Competitive Chess Ego Is Not Arrogance
Gukesh Turns Retirement Troll Into A Chess Challenge
Nakamura Says Elite Chess Requires Ego and Arrogance
Vishy Anand Praises Gukesh’s Humorous Response to Retirement Troll
Magnus Carlsen Uses Mourinho-Inspired Pragmatism to Defend Chess Title
AG.AL Wins 2026 Esports World Cup Club Championship in Paris
Esports Nations Cup postponed one year to November 2027
Team Falcons Reclaim Club Championship Lead; Dralii Makes History
