Key Highlights:
Chennai, April 2: British Grandmaster and renowned chess commentator David Howell has heaped praise on India’s D Gukesh, who recently became the youngest-ever world chess champion at 18, calling his success a combination of strong mindset, professional backing, and a mature attitude. Speaking to the Times of India, Howell reflected on Gukesh’s rise and said the youngster is “doing all the right things” to stay at the top in an increasingly competitive global chess landscape.
David Howell: From Prodigy to Advocate for Chess Spectatorship
Howell, who became Britain’s youngest Grandmaster in 2007 at the age of 16, understands the pressure that follows being labelled a prodigy. Now 34 and part of Magnus Carlsen’s app ‘Take Take Take’ as a host and expert, Howell is committed to transforming chess into a global spectator sport.
Recalling his experience, Howell said:
“I didn’t expect Gukesh’s rise to be this fast. I knew he was good – I played him when he was 12, just after he became a GM. I won the game after a tough fight, but what struck me was his attitude. He joined me in the commentary room, discussed the game, and showed incredible maturity and eagerness to learn.”
“Stay Grounded, Stay Curious”
David Howell emphasized that Gukesh’s mindset sets him apart from other prodigies. He advised the Indian champion to focus on curiosity and continuous improvement, rather than media attention or rankings.
“Just keep the same attitude. Stay grounded, remain curious, and focus on improvement. Titles and pressure will come, but mindset is key. He has the right people around him and that’s crucial,” Howell said.
Changing Times: From Solo Journey to Structured Support
Howell also highlighted how the chess ecosystem has evolved, especially in India. Unlike his own journey, where he lacked rivals and professional support, Howell believes the current Indian generation thrives due to collaborative rivalries and institutional backing.
“In England, I had few rivals and limited resources. Today’s Indian players grow together – they push one another. They have camps, structured training, and early financial support, which we didn’t.”
India’s Golden Generation and the Gukesh Effect
India is currently witnessing a chess boom, led by the likes of Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun Erigaisi. Howell referred to this trio as a mutually motivating force that’s helping the country dominate the international chess arena.
He also noted that Gukesh’s recent loss to Praggnanandhaa at Tata Steel Chess in Wijk aan Zee illustrates the strength of India’s internal competition, which constantly raises performance standards.
“Even countries like Turkey are drawing inspiration from India. Two Turkish prodigies have crossed the 2600 rating mark. If they replicate India’s model—discipline, structure, and good coaching—they’ll be world-beaters too.”
Vishy Anand: The Catalyst Behind India’s Chess Revolution
Howell credited Viswanathan Anand as the spark behind India’s rise. “Anand inspired a generation,” he said, noting how the Indian system has since matured with strong coaching networks, grassroots platforms like ChessBase India, and focused institutional support.
“Sagar Shah and others at ChessBase India have played a key role in spotlighting Indian chess. The infrastructure is solid now, players are supported early, and that makes a huge difference.”
Chess as a Global Spectator Sport
While no longer chasing titles, Howell’s mission today is clear: to make chess more accessible and visible to the world. Through ‘Take Take Take’, an app co-founded by Magnus Carlsen, Howell aims to revolutionize how chess is consumed.
“We want to bring chess to life for viewers. Technology lets us reach wider audiences. It’s not just about top players, but casual fans too. My passion now is helping people experience chess in a more engaging, entertaining way.”
He believes that turning chess into a spectator-friendly sport is essential for its growth, much like how streaming and commentary culture have made it more interactive over the last decade.
David Howell’s tribute to Gukesh is not merely praise—it’s an acknowledgment of a seismic shift in global chess leadership, with India firmly at the forefront. His insights underline how strong infrastructure, mentorship, and mindset can turn prodigies into champions.
As Gukesh carries the weight of history, rivals, and expectations, voices like Howell’s remind the chess world that the battle isn’t just on the 64 squares—but in how the game evolves off it too.
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