Money isn’t the reason I play chess: D. Gukesh on being ‘new multi-millionaire’

New world chess champion Gukesh values joy over money, cherishing his journey and family support.

The "multi-millionaire" tag does "mean a lot" to new world champion D. Gukesh, but he doesn't play the game for material gains but for that unbridled joy, which he has been able to retain since a chessboard used to be the "coolest toy" for him.

Gukesh, the 18-year-old from Chennai, is now richer by ₹11.45 crore which he will receive from FIDE as prize money for beating Ding Liren of China in the final.

Gukesh's father Rajnikanth gave up his career as an ENT surgeon to accompany his son on the circuit while mother Padmakumari, who is a microbiologist, became the sole earner of the family.

Also Read: Gukesh vs Ding World Chess Championship Game 14 highlights

Asked what exactly does being a multi-millionaire mean to him, Gukesh said, "It means a lot. When I got into chess, we (as a family) had to make some hard decisions. My parents had gone through financial and emotional hardships. Now, we are more comfortable and parents don't need to think about those things," Gukesh told FIDE in an interview.

"Personally, money isn't the reason I play chess," he said. He always tries to remember why he started playing the game when he got his first chessboard. "I am still the kid who loves chess. It used to be the coolest toy," the reticent world champion explained.

For him, his parents mean the world. Gukesh's dad doubles up as his manager by taking care of all the off-board activities and allowing him to concentrate on the game, while his mother is the emotional and spiritual pillar of strength.