Paddy Upton, a famous mental coach, helped D. Gukesh achieve an incredible victory at the World Chess Championship. Gukesh made history by becoming the youngest world champion ever, beating the current champion, Ding Liren. Upton, who has also worked with top sports teams like the Indian cricket team when they won the 2011 World Cup, started working with Gukesh in May 2024. This partnership happened after Gukesh’s sponsor, Sandeep Singhal, suggested it.
Read Paddy’s take here
Have you ever wondered what separates a good player from a truly exceptional one? For D. Gukesh, it wasn’t just about knowing how to move chess pieces—it was about mastering the battlefield of the mind. His mentor, Viswanathan Upton, understood something profound: championships are won in the moments between moves, in the quiet spaces of mental preparation.
Upton approached Gukesh’s championship preparation like an elite exam preparation—meticulously plotting every potential scenario, teaching him to navigate emotional landmines with the precision of a grandmaster. They didn’t just discuss chess; they dissected the mental landscape of high-pressure moments, treating each potential emotional challenge as a complex chess problem to be solved. “Staying calm isn’t about suppressing emotions,” Upton would tell Gukesh, “it’s about understanding them, controlling them, and then channeling them into focused energy.”
5 Actionable Takeaways for Students
Prepare Like You’re Studying for an Exam
- Just like Paddy Upton helped Gukesh prepare for every possible scenario in the championship, you should approach your studies or challenges with thorough preparation. Gukesh’s confidence came from his hard work and planning, not hope. The better you prepare, the more confident you’ll feel.
Learn to Manage Your Emotions
- Gukesh remained calm and focused even after losing a crucial game. With Upton’s help, he learned to manage his emotions under pressure. Similarly, if you face failure or stress during exams or competitions, don’t panic. Stay calm, take a deep breath, and focus on your next move.
Seek Guidance When Needed
- When Gukesh faced a setback, he reached out to Upton for support and advice. This shows how important it is to ask for help when you’re struggling. Talk to teachers, parents, or mentors—they can guide you through tough situations and help you improve.
Focus on Small Practical Details
- Upton advised Gukesh on practical things like controlling room temperature for better sleep, which helped him stay sharp. Similarly, paying attention to small habits—like sleeping well, eating right, and staying organized—can make a big difference in your performance.
Build Mental Resilience
- Gukesh’s ability to bounce back after setbacks and stay focused on his goal is what made him a champion. Life will always have challenges, but learning to adapt, stay positive, and keep moving forward will help you achieve success in any area