World champion D Gukesh has made his stance clear on the recent allegations of cheating in chess, directly addressing the ongoing controversy sparked by former world champion Vladimir Kramnik. The issue of ethics in chess came into focus when various top players spoke about Kramnik’s repeated allegations of foul play in online chess tournaments.
Kramnik’s statements, which included allegations against multiple Grandmasters without offering substantial evidence, they have drawn criticism from leading figures such as Magnus Carlsen and Arjun Erigaisi. At a press conference before the International Chess Festival in Prague, Gukesh expressed his stance and stated that he is against unethical play in the sport.
“Of course I am against any kind of unfair or unethical play. I have never done it and I really hope no one does. It is the kind of problem we are seeing lately,” Gukesh said.
However, Gukesh said the situation was out of proportion at the moment and said he did not support Kramnik’s claims.
“I think people are making it (cheating) a bigger issue than it really is. Specifically, regarding Kramnik’s allegations, I don’t support most of them. I think there should be more harmony and peace in the chess world,” Gukesh said.
When asked specifically about Kramnik’s actions, Gukesh was categorical.
“Just about Kramnik, I mean what he’s been doing, of course I don’t support it. A lot of people have been paranoid about cheating in the last few years,” Gukesh said.
WHAT WILL GUKESH AIM AT THE PRAGUE CHESS FESTIVAL?
gukesh, who has endured a dip in form over the past few monthsis set to defend his world title later this year and has identified fellow Indian R Praggnanandha as the opponent he would most like to face.
Praggnanandhaa is scheduled to participate in the Candidates Tournament next month, which will determine the next challenger for the world title.
At the Prague Chess Festival, Gukesh will face American Grandmaster Hans Mok Niemann, another player who has broken his way into the elite level of the game.
Meanwhile, India’s Aravindh Chithambaram will take on Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov, who recently won the Tata Steel Masters title.
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Published on:
February 25, 2026
