Gukesh vs. Ding Liren : Are Carlsen, Nakamura, and Kramnik Jealous of the Young Prodigy's Meteoric Rise
The 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship has captured audiences worldwide, with reigning champion Ding Liren facing the young Indian sensation Dommaraju Gukesh.
However, in a surprising subplot, a trio of chess legends – Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and Vladimir Kramnik – have come out strong with their criticisms of this match, labeling it uninspiring and strategically dull.
This raises a rather provocative question: is the chess elite’s disapproval rooted in legitimate critique, or could jealousy over Gukesh’s unprecedented rise be clouding their judgment?
A New Star in Chess
At just 18 years old, Gukesh has achieved what many players can only dream of. With a FIDE rating of 2783, he is ranked among the top five players globally.
Gukesh secured his spot in the World Championship by dominating the 2024 Candidates Tournament in Toronto, becoming the youngest challenger in the tournament’s history.
This feat followed his individual and team gold medals at the Chess Olympiad, solidifying his reputation as one of the brightest stars in the chess world.
The championship itself has been characterized by extraordinary accuracy and quality. Held in Singapore, the 14-game classical match features a $2.5 million prize fund and has been dubbed one of the most technically precise matches in recent times.
The world’s leading chess engine, Stockfish, has stated that both players have demonstrated an extraordinary level of play, with no blunders registered to date.
Criticism from the Legends
They say the games were not very dramatic or brilliant, lacked the very drama and brilliance of previous World Championships.
The match was too cautious and uninspiring, said Nakamura, with both players more focused on not making mistakes than on creating stirring moments. Kramnik even resorted to saying the match was an example of how well classical chess was declining.
The criticisms are stunning, considering the objective quality of the games. It begs the question of whether this scrutiny is warranted or merely driven by other factors.
The Rise of Gukesh: A Threat to the Old Guard?
The importance of considering Gukesh’s meteoric rise is to understand possible motivations for these criticisms. Gukesh, at such a young age, has broken norms and rewritten the story of what is possible in professional chess.
His success draws inevitable comparisons to legends like Carlsen, who became World Champion at 22, and Kramnik, who dethroned Garry Kasparov at 25.
Gukesh’s success at 18 is a shot across the bows of legends, and one cannot dismiss the possibility that this sparks insecurity or rivalry. Indeed, Carlsen’s stating that Gukesh “lacks creativity” in his game could be used to belittle the feats of the young genius.
Similarly, Nakamura can be seen as speaking with the voice of a power chess streamer and influencer, where sensationalism often drowns out even-handed critique.
The Data Doesn’t Lie
Independent analyses and Stockfish evaluations show a different picture, though. The precision involved in the Gukesh-Ding games has generally been exceptional, with one or both players usually repeating moves that closely corresponded to engine recommendations.
And technically, this performance betters what was seen throughout the 2023 Ding-Nepomniachtchi World Championship, characterized by critical blunders everywhere.
Moreover, the games have been filled with subtle but deep strategic battles. Gukesh’s ability to hold his own against Ding, known for his exceptional end game prowess, is remarkable at his age.
This indicates not only his tactical acumen but also his psychological resilience under immense pressure.
Jealousy vs. Legitimate Concerns
While some of the legends’ criticisms may be true to the state of classical chess, the harshness and frequency of their remarks lead one to wonder about motives.
Gukesh represents a new generation in chess-one that is going to upset the status quo of Carlsen and Kramnik. The change in power dynamics can be a shock to players who have long been at the top.
The criticism sharply contradicts the praise Gukesh has received from other great players and analysts. Indeed, India’s first ever World Chess Champion and a mentor to Gukesh, Viswanathan Anand, has heaped praise on the young wizard for his maturity and depth of strategy.
Such admiration only strengthens the sense that Gukesh is all set to become one of the leading lights of world chess.
A Champion in the Making
Beyond the criticisms, Gukesh’s journey is a testament to his extraordinary talent and work ethic.
From winning the under-12 World Youth Championship to becoming the youngest player to defeat Magnus Carlsen in a classical game, Gukesh has been consistently defying expectations.
His rise is not just a personal achievement but also a symbol of the growing prominence of Indian chess on the global stage.
The World Championship performance has thus far been inspirational by his standards. Ding, who has a peak rating of 2816 and has an historic unbeaten streak of 100 games, is no mean opponent.
Gukesh, therefore, has shown an extraordinary composure and ability to handle the experience so far. This bodes well for him in any top-level competition, placing him firmly in contention to be a future World Champion.
For once, what makes the 2024 World Chess Championship a special moment in chess history lies not only in the actual match but in what this represents. Gukesh’s rise challenges the establishment, forcing legends like Carlsen, Nakamura, and Kramnik to confront the possibility of an end to their era, and a new one takes its place.
While their criticisms are partly valid, they also come from a reluctance to embrace change. Gukesh’s achievements at such a young age inspire millions and remind us that the future of chess is bright.
Rather than dwelling on criticisms, the chess world must celebrate the incredible talent and tenacity that have led Gukesh to this point. This journey is a beacon for young players around the globe, proving that age holds no barriers to greatness.
As the championship continues, one thing is clear: Gukesh is here to stay, and his impact on the world of chess will be felt for years to come.
