New Delhi: In a shocking turn of events, reigning World Chess Champion Gukesh D has been knocked out of the Chess World Cup 2025, marking a disappointing end to what has already been a tough year for the young grandmaster.

Gukesh, who has struggled to find consistent form since clinching the world title, faced an early exit after a series of uncharacteristic blunders in the knockout stages. His elimination has sparked debates within the chess community about whether the 19-year-old will be mentally prepared to defend his world title in 2026.

Experts have noted that the immense pressure of being World Champion, coupled with a packed tournament schedule, may have impacted his performance. Despite this setback, fans remain hopeful that Gukesh will bounce back stronger and regain his composure ahead of next year’s championship cycle.

While Gukesh’s early exit has stunned fans, it also serves as a reminder of how unpredictable and unforgiving modern chess has become — where even the best can falter under pressure