Reigning world chess champion D Gukesh has arrived in Prague in a positive frame of mind ahead of the International Chess Festival, despite recent underwhelming performances. The 19-year-old Indian Grandmaster seeks to regain form in a competitive Masters field starting February 25, 2026. He expressed optimism during a press conference, emphasizing full effort in every tournament.
For D Gukesh, 2026 began disappointingly with a ninth-place finish at the Tata Steel Chess in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands, scoring 6.5 points—the best among the four Indians competing. This followed subdued results at the FIDE Grand Swiss and FIDE World Cup in late 2025. Despite these setbacks, Gukesh appeared upbeat at a press conference before the Prague International Chess Festival, where he will compete in the Masters section.
The event marks a historic moment, as it is the first time in 95 years that a reigning world champion plays a classical game on the territory of the former Czechoslovakia. Gukesh, seeded second and ranked 10th in live world ratings, faces strong opposition including top seed Vincent Keymer (ranked fourth) and Nodirbek Abdusattorov, who recently won the Tata Steel Masters.
India's representation includes defending champion Aravindh Chithambaram, seeded seventh, alongside others like Hans Niemann, Parham Maghsoodloo, Jorden van Foreest, Nodirbek Yakubboev, David Anton Guijarro, and David Navara. In the Challengers section, Surya Shekhar Ganguly and Divya Deshmukh lead the Indian challenge.
Gukesh reflected on his last visit to Prague in 2024, before the Candidates Tournament, stating, “Since the last time I played in 2024, a lot has changed... the goal was to win the event and it’s the same here.” He added that his approach is to give 100 percent in every game, with general improvement as the ongoing goal, while preparing for his world title defense later in 2026.
When asked about potential opponents in the upcoming Candidates Tournament, Gukesh expressed a preference for facing compatriot R Praggnanandhaa: “Personally, I would like to face Pragg. It would be an Indian clash, and it would be great for the Indian fans.”
Gukesh also addressed Vladimir Kramnik's anti-cheating allegations, saying he opposes unfair play but does not support Kramnik's methods: “I’m not supportive of that... People are making it a bigger problem than it actually is. I think there should be more harmony and peace in chess.”
The nine-round Masters tournament offers Gukesh a chance to rebuild momentum ahead of a demanding year.
