Chess, for all its rich history and tradition, is fundamentally a battle of one mind against another. It is a sport of profound solitude, where players face the pressure of the clock and the weight of their decisions alone. Yet, beneath this intense focus, the personalities of the grandmasters often shine through in fascinating ways.
The Duality of a World Champion: Giri's Take on Gukesh
In an exclusive conversation, Dutch number one Anish Giri offered a captivating glimpse into this duality, particularly when discussing the reigning World Chess Champion, D Gukesh. The 31-year-old Giri observed that the 19-year-old Indian prodigy seems to possess distinct "modes," appearing almost like a different person depending on the setting.
"Gukesh was not in my team in the last Global Chess League, but I've been with him on many different occasions," Giri explained. "During tournaments, after tournaments, I was with him at Vidit's wedding as well. And it's like different people every time. When Gukesh is at Vidit's wedding, he is a different person than when he is playing the second round of Wijk aan Zee. Some people have this very, very strong game mode."
Gukesh Responds: A Natural Transformation
When Gukesh himself was asked about this behavioural shift on social media platform X, where he engaged with fans, the Chennai-born Grandmaster attributed it largely to his innate nature. He clarified that while he has become more engaging off the board recently, it was never a forced effort.
"It has mostly been natural, and I have been similar outside of Chess too, but the last couple of years, I'm more engaging and open outside of Chess," Gukesh wrote. "But it was never through effort; everything happened on its own."
Road to the Crown: Giri's Path to a Title Shot
The narrative between these two elite players extends beyond personality observations. Anish Giri, having won the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025, has already secured his spot in the prestigious Candidates Tournament in 2026. A victory there would earn him the right to challenge Gukesh for the World Championship title the following year.
However, chess fans might not have to wait that long for a high-stakes encounter. The two grandmasters are set to face off much sooner in the upcoming third season of the Global Chess League (GCL).
Global Chess League Showdown in Mumbai
The stage is set for a thrilling confrontation. The GCL 2025 season will be held at Mumbai's iconic Royal Opera House from December 14 to 23. This time, Anish Giri will be playing for the Alpine SG Pipers, while D Gukesh will be representing the PBG Alaskan Knights, which was Giri's former team.
This fixture promises not just a clash of strategies on the 64 squares but also a chance for spectators to witness the different facets of Gukesh's character that Giri so keenly described. As the chess world turns its eyes to Mumbai next month, all eyes will be on whether the young champion's focused "game mode" will prevail against the experienced Dutch strategist.
