‘Money isn’t the reason I play chess,’ says Gukesh after becoming new “multi-millionaire”

When India’s D. Gukesh was busy making history in Singapore, the youngest and newest World Champion’s bank account was filling up with 11.3 crore (approx), which he will receive from FIDE as prize money for defeating China’s Ding Liren in the final.

Although the “multi-millionaire” tag does “mean a lot” to the Chennai Grandmaster, the 18th World Champion doesn’t play the game for material gains.

“Personally, money isn’t the reason I play chess,” Gukesh said in an interview with FIDE.

Asked what exactly does being a multi-millionaire mean to him, he said, “It means a lot. When I got into chess, we (as a family) had to make some hard decisions. My parents had gone through financial and emotional hardships. Now, we are more comfortable and parents don’t need to think about those things.”

Gukesh’s father Dr Rajnikanth, an ENT surgeon, gave up his career to accompany his son achieve his dreams while Gukesh’s mother Padmakumari, who is a microbiologist, became the sole earner of the family.

For Gukesh, his parents mean the world. Gukesh’s dad doubles up as his manager by taking care of all the off-board activities and allowing him to concentrate on the game, while his mother is the emotional and spiritual pillar of strength.

“She (mother) still says, I will be happy to know that you are a great chess player but I would be happier to hear that you are a greater person,” Gukesh said.

The 18-year-old always tries to remember why he started playing the game when he got his first chessboard.

“I am still the kid who loves chess. It used to be the coolest toy,” he said.