D Gukesh Hits Back at Social Media Critic With Witty Retirement Reply

Reigning classical world chess champion Dommaraju Gukesh, aged 20, took to Instagram on Wednesday to share a screenshot of a direct message exchange with a critic, turning the tables on online trolling with a sharp, humorous retort. The incident, originating from his social media account, highlights the intense scrutiny the Indian grandmaster has faced since claiming the world title in 2024. The exchange took place in the lead-up to the 2026 Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan, where Gukesh is currently preparing.

The Online Exchange

According to the Instagram story shared by Gukesh, an aggressive critic approached the champion and urged him to step away from competitive chess. When the same individual challenged the world champion to a match, Gukesh responded with a concise and witty dismissal. The screenshot, which quickly circulated among chess fans, showed Gukesh replying that he was retired, effectively deflating the critic’s provocation.

Form Dip and Rating Drop

The online trolling comes during a challenging period for the young Indian star. Over the past year, Gukesh has lost 73 rating points, slipping to world No. 32 in the latest FIDE rankings with a live rating of 2703. His recent competitive results have reflected this dip, with the champion managing just one win in his last 10 classical games.

Despite the mounting pressure and hostile messages on social media, Gukesh is currently engaged in intense training sessions. The focus is on regaining his peak form ahead of the 2026 Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan.

Upcoming Challenges

The road ahead carries significant weight for the reigning champion. Later this year, Gukesh is scheduled to defend his classical world title against Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov. Breaking free from his current rough patch will be essential as he prepares for one of the most high-profile matches of his career.

Source

This report is based on information published by The Bridge — Chess.

Official source: https://thebridge.in/chess/d-gukesh-trolls-critic-57383