Chess legend Garry Kasparov sparked a major debate on Saturday by questioning the legitimacy of D. Gukesh's World Championship title, stating that the "era of the classical world champions ended" when Magnus Carlsen abdicated his throne. The former six-time world champion made the controversial remarks during the live broadcast of the Sinquefield Cup, while the 18-year-old Indian prodigy was playing his fifth-round match. Gukesh made history last year by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion after defeating China's Ding Liren.
During the broadcast, Kasparov argued that while Gukesh won the title "fair and square," he cannot be considered the strongest player in the world, a distinction that still belongs to Carlsen. "Gukesh’s world championship title is very different. It’s still clear that Magnus is the strongest and Gukesh is yet to prove his superiority over others," Kasparov stated, later apologizing for his strong views but reiterating, "This is not exactly the title that I had or Karpov had or Fischer had or Magnus had."
Kasparov’s comments drew an immediate and firm rebuttal from fellow chess legend Susan Polgar. In a post on X, Polgar defended the Indian champion, writing, "Gukesh is a deserving World Classical Champion, period!" She highlighted his victory in the grueling Candidates tournament against the world's elite and argued it was not his fault Carlsen stepped away. "If we, as a chess community, delegitimize his title because he did not beat Carlsen, then we need to do the same for World Champions after Bobby Fischer since he also walked away from his title! We cannot have different standards," she wrote.
This is not the first time Kasparov has voiced such sentiments. In May, he contrasted his own title win, achieved by beating the world's strongest player at the time, with Gukesh's situation. However, Kasparov's view is nuanced, as he has also lavished praise on the young Indian's "phenomenal accomplishment." After Gukesh defeated Carlsen in Croatia, Kasparov commended his "computer-like resilience," stating, "Gukesh is a player that’s hard to beat. You have to beat him many times."
While Gukesh played out a draw against Jan-Krzysztof Duda at the Sinquefield Cup, the debate ignited by Kasparov raged on. Despite having defeated Carlsen twice since becoming champion, Gukesh's reign continues to be defined by the shadow of the Norwegian superstar. The Indian teenager now faces the ongoing challenge of not only defending his title on the board but also cementing his legacy in the eyes of the sport's most influential figures.
