“Qualifying for the Candidates is like reaching the semi-finals of a world championship — but my real battles were always the silent ones: bouncing back from losses, fighting self-doubt, and staying calm when there’s no ‘undo’ button.”
1. Who is Vidit Gujrathi beyond the 64 squares of the chessboard?
Outside the chessboard, I’m just a regular guy who loves exploring the world, lifting weights, geeking out over tech gadgets, and occasionally convincing myself that playing the guitar badly still counts as progress. I’m also a full-time overthinker, part-time content creator, and a seeker — spiritually, intellectually, and sometimes just in search of midnight snacks.
2. What has been the most defining moment in your chess career so far?
Qualifying for the Candidates 2024 has definitely been the biggest moment — it’s like reaching the semi-finals of a world championship. But honestly, some of the truly defining moments weren’t about medals or trophies. They were the quiet, personal milestones: bouncing back from tough losses, building resilience, and learning how to manage self-doubt when there’s no “undo” button.
3. How do you train your mind to stay calm and focused under intense pressure?
It’s a mix of practices — meditation, journaling, regular workouts, and when all else fails, some deep breathing. And if that doesn’t work, I like to imagine I’m in a spy thriller where defusing a bomb (aka defending a bad position) is just another Tuesday. But on a serious note, the inner work I do off the board really reflects in the calmness I bring to the board.
4. What role does digital content creation play in your journey as a grandmaster?
Chess can be a lonely pursuit, so creating content helps me connect with people — even those who don’t know the difference between e4 and d4 but still cheer me on. It’s also a chance to break stereotypes; we’re not all introverted geniuses surviving on instant noodles at midnight (well… maybe some of us). For me, it’s fun, fulfilling, and a way to share the behind-the-scenes madness of a chess player’s life.
5. What’s one thing about the life of a professional chess player that people often misunderstand?
People often assume we’ve got it all figured out just because we’re called ‘masters.’ The truth is, we’re just as confused, anxious, and sleepless before big tournaments as anyone else facing a major challenge. And no, I don’t calculate 10 moves ahead to decide which shirt to wear in the morning!
6. What advice would you give to aspiring chess players in India today?
Play for the love of the game. Don’t just chase ratings — chase growth. Learn from your losses, don’t take wins for granted, and always keep your curiosity alive. And please, don’t blindly copy openings from random YouTube videos — trust me, your future self will thank you.
7. If your life were a chess opening, which one would it be — and why?
Probably the Ruy Lopez — it’s classic, solid, full of layers, and still manages to surprise after all these years. Also, like my life, it starts off normally and then suddenly turns very sharp when you least expect it.
Bio:
Vidit Gujrathi recently clinched gold at the FIDE Chess Olympiad 2024, marking a remarkable rise in the world rankings and cementing his status as one of global chess’s leading forces. A key member of the Indian team since 2015, Vidit first captured international attention when he earned his Grandmaster title in 2013.
His impressive achievements include leading India to victory in the 2020 FIDE Online Chess Olympiad, securing a silver medal at the Asian Games 2022, and winning the prestigious FIDE Grand Swiss 2023 — a triumph that placed him among the world’s top eight contenders vying for the World Championship at the FIDE Candidates 2024. With his relentless dedication, sharp strategy, and ever-evolving game, Vidit continues to stand tall as one of the most prominent and inspiring figures in the world of chess.
Interviewed by: Gurbani Kaur
Edited by: Shantanu Singh
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