Kasparov tells Gukesh, “The moment you rest, it will not take long to decline”

Garry Kasparov has warned D Gukesh of the dangers of complacency as a part of his advice to the young Indian chess star, who is the reigning world champion.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Global Chess Tour, Rapid and Blitz tournament in Zagreb, the Russian chess legend said, “The moment you stop improving, actually the moment you stop thinking about improving – it’s over.”

He further added, “I stayed on top so long because I knew that the main opponent is your own excellence. You have to keep improving all the time or at least you have to try. Because the moment you rest, you know it’ll not take long especially now to decline.” 

Prior to this, Gukesh had spoken about adjusting to the changes in his life, and that his focus was now back to improving.

GCT Zagreb will also mark Gukesh’s first meeting with Magnus Carlsen since the pair’s well-publicised meeting at the 2025 Norway Chess. 
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“It took some time for me to get adjusted to the title and the new expectations, the new schedule being so hectic. But now I’ve kind of settled into the new life. Now I am back to focusing on working hard and being my best self in every tournament,” said Gukesh.

Gukesh’s win over Ding Liren in the 2024 World Chess Championships saw him take the record for youngest world champion from Kasparov, who had previously held it courtesy of his 1985 win over Anatoly Karpov.

GCT Zagreb will also mark Gukesh’s first meeting with Magnus Carlsen since the pair’s well-publicised meeting at the 2025 Norway Chess.