D Gukesh Faces Unprecedented Pressure as Youngest World Chess Champion: Coach Gajewski

• Coach Grzegorz Gajewski states D Gukesh is the first to experience such early life pressure as the youngest world chess champion.
• Gukesh, 19, will reduce tournament participation this year to focus on defending his World Chess Championship title in late 2026.
• After becoming the youngest world champion in 2024, Gukesh played many rapid and blitz events to improve, despite a tough 2025.
• The focus will shift back to classical chess, with rapid and blitz improvement no longer the priority for Gukesh.
• Gajewski notes Gukesh's evolving awareness adds challenge, but managing pressure is a step forward in his development.

Why It Matters: D Gukesh, the youngest world chess champion, faces unique pressure, prompting a strategic shift to classical chess.