Anand chess academy

Indian Grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju: From the cricket field to the hockey pitch, Paddy Upton has carved a legacy as a master of mental conditioning. His latest feather in the cap comes from the chess board, where he played a pivotal role in helping Indian Grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju claim the World Chess Championship title on Thursday, becoming the youngest world champion in history.

At just 18 years old, Gukesh’s victory against reigning champion Ding Liren of China marked a monumental achievement, as he became only the second Indian, after Viswanathan Anand, to hold the title. Behind the scenes of this incredible feat was Upton, the South African mental conditioning expert renowned for shaping champions across disciplines.

The collaboration between Upton and Gukesh began in mid-2024, facilitated by Anand and WestBridge-Anand Chess Academy (WACA). Recognising the mental challenges of competitive chess, WACA sought an expert to prepare Gukesh for the psychological rigours of a high-stakes World Championship. Sandeep Singhal, WACA’s co-founder, identified Upton as the ideal fit due to his stellar track record with elite athletes.