Gukesh Dommaraju is a name on everyone’s lips these days. At just 18 years of age, Gukesh has claimed the title of World Chess Champion, becoming only the 18th player in history, and the third Asian to do so after his mentor Viswanathan Anand and the man he dethroned, Ding Liren. Amid the celebrations, however, former world champion Magnus Carlsen has thrown a spanner in the works. Carlsen’s comment that classical chess can be “boring and frustrating” and that the final between Gukesh and Ding did not live up to the standards expected, has added a provocative twist to the conversation.
At Gariahat Chess Club, nestled under the bustling Gariahat flyover, players are as passionate about their games as they are about Gukesh’s feat. Here’s what some of them had to say about the chess teen king and Carlsen’s controversial comments.
‘For us, classical chess remains exciting’
![“If Magnus [Carlsen] finds classical chess boring, it’s based on his vast experience,” said Keshab Basu](https://assets.telegraphindia.com/telegraph/2024/Dec/1734516309_3.jpg)
“If Magnus [Carlsen] finds classical chess boring, it’s based on his vast experience,” said Keshab Basu Amit Datta
A 12-year veteran of the club, Keshab Basu spends two hours daily playing under the flyover. Reflecting on Gukesh’s triumph, he called it “an incredible achievement that makes us very happy.” Asked about Carlsen’s critique, Basu played it safe: “Magnus and Viswanathan [Anand] are greats of the game. They’ve dedicated years to chess, researching and applying different tactics. If Magnus finds classical chess boring, it’s based on his vast experience. We play at very different levels and look at chess differently. For us, the format remains exciting.”
‘Gukesh dominated Ding Liren… it was brilliant to watch’
Biswajit Saha was one of many to compare classical chess to Test cricket Amit Datta
Basu’s opponent on the day, Biswajit Saha, a 44-year-old education professional, echoed the sentiment of pride in Gukesh’s win. “After Vishy Anand, he’s the first Indian to achieve this, and that makes us incredibly proud. Let’s see how long he can sustain this level,” he remarked. On the highlight of the final, Saha said, “Gukesh dominated Ding Liren and forced him to make a mistake. It was brilliant to watch.” As for Carlsen’s critique, Saha compared classical chess to Test cricket: “It’s the original form of the game, the one legends played. Rapid and blitz may be exciting, like ODIs and T20s, but the charm of the classical format is irreplaceable.”
‘To see a championship decided by such a blunder was disappointing’
Players argue over a move Amit Datta
For 27-year-old budding filmmaker Vrati Kumar, Gukesh’s victory brought mixed emotions. “Games 11 and 12 were fantastic, but to see a championship decided by such a blunder [from Ding] was disappointing. The last great World Championship match, for me, was Magnus versus Fabiano Caruana in 2018,” he said. On Carlsen’s remarks, Kumar said: “Maybe classical chess feels boring for players, but for viewers like me, it’s a treat — I’m always analysing the strategies.” He added, perhaps with a hint of sarcasm: “Magnus should’ve given up his FIDE title earlier so this championship would carry more meaning.”
‘Someone of Kramnik’s stature should celebrate Gukesh’s win instead of undermining it’
“Game 11 was a highlight, and the final gave me goosebumps,” said Budhil Baivab Basu Amit Datta
Eighteen-year-old Budhil Baivab Basu, one of the club’s youngest prodigies, found Gukesh’s achievement awe-inspiring. “He’s my age, and to see him win like that is unbelievable. Game 11 was a highlight, and the final gave me goosebumps,” he shared. Basu, however, was critical of grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik’s comment that “this is the end of chess”. He said, “Someone of Kramnik’s stature should celebrate Gukesh’s win instead of undermining it.”
‘It’s hard to fathom where Gukesh gets that confidence’
“You can shorten games, but the charm of the original format endures,” said club secretary Abhijit Saha Amit Datta
The secretary of the Gariahat Chess Club and a hawker by profession, 58-year-old Abhijit Saha has seen the club evolve since its inception. Watching Gukesh play made him marvel, “The way he carries himself at such a young age… it’s hard to fathom where he gets that confidence.” Saha drew parallels between chess and cricket: “Like Test cricket, classical chess remains the ultimate test of skill. You can shorten games, but the charm of the original format endures.”
‘Gukesh’s win a testament to Anand’s mentorship’
For 30-year-old student Pragyan Kumud Mukhopadhyay, Gukesh’s win signals the rise of India’s “golden generation” in chess. “It’s a testament to Anand’s mentorship and the inspiration he provides,” he said, crediting India’s Olympiad performances to the groundwork laid by Anand. Mukhopadhyay acknowledged Carlsen’s critiques, saying, “It’s true that shorter formats like blitz bring adrenaline, but classical chess remains unparalleled in its depth.”
While Gukesh’s victory may have divided opinions on the game’s formats, it has undeniably united Kolkata’s chess lovers in admiration and pride. As the boards under the Gariahat flyover continue to hum, with minds constantly plotting moves, one thing is clear — the love for chess in Kolkata, much like the game itself, is timeless.