Archive · 16 Jan 2026
Gukesh's Coach and Supporters Defend His World Title
D Gukesh, the youngest chess world champion, had a tough year in 2025.
His coach, Grzegorz Gajewski, says that for 2026, Gukesh will focus on being patient and confident.
They plan to play fewer tournaments and only the most important ones.
Gukesh will start his year at the Tata Steel Masters classical tournament.
Gajewski believes that Gukesh has matured a lot and is handling pressure better.
He also thinks that the experience Gukesh is getting is very valuable, even though it's challenging.
Gukesh is not worried about the criticism he faces and is just focused on improving his game.
Additionally, Magnus Carlsen’s former second, Daniil Dubov, has come out in support of Gukesh, slamming critics who question his credentials.
Dubov believes Gukesh is a legitimate world champion and deserves the title.
Gukesh's coach, Grzegorz Gajewski, emphasizes patience and confidence as key priorities for 2026.
Gukesh will scale back on exhibition matches and online events, focusing on major tournaments.
He will start his year at the Tata Steel Masters classical tournament in Wijk aan Zee.
Gajewski notes that Gukesh has matured and handles pressure better, especially after a challenging 2025.
Daniil Dubov, Magnus Carlsen’s former second, supports Gukesh and slams critics questioning his world title.
- Who
- D Gukesh, his coach Grzegorz Gajewski, and supporters like Daniil Dubov
- What
- Defending Gukesh's world title and planning his 2026 chess strategy
- When
- 2026, starting with the Tata Steel Masters tournament
- Where
- Various chess tournaments, starting with Tata Steel Masters in Wijk aan Zee
- Why
- To prepare for defending his world champion title and to grow as a player
- Player
- D Gukesh
- Coach
- Grzegorz Gajewski
- Year of Focus
- 2026
- Key Priorities
- Patience and Confidence
- Defense Year
- 2026
- Notable Event
- Tata Steel Masters classical tournament
- Age of Player
- 19
- Coaching Duration
- Since 2023
- Supporter
- Daniil Dubov
- Critics
- Garry Kasparov, Vladimir Kramnik
Sources
Chess: D Gukesh’s coach Grzegorz Gajewski on what the world champion will focus on in 2026 after a choppy 2025
Grzegorz Gajewski interview: ‘All of Gukesh’s opponents in chess experience pressure, just not as high as him’
Magnus Carlsen’s former second slams Gukesh’s critics questioning his world title: ‘Legitimate world champion’
Viswanathan Anand sees Chennai as Chess World Championship host if Praggnanandhaa qualifies - Telegraph India
Gukesh to take on Sindarov in Tata Steel opener as tough test for Indians awaits
