“Nodirbek Abdusattorov’s Bold Claim Shakes Chess World: ‘Gukesh Will Lose His Title’”

Nodirbek Abdusattorov Latest News: Grand Swiss 2025 Controversy and Performance

The chess world is buzzing with headlines once again, and this time it is none other than Uzbek Grandmaster Nodirbek Abdusattorov making waves. Known for his fearless approach on and off the board, Abdusattorov sparked major controversy during the FIDE Grand Swiss 2025 in Samarkand with a bold prediction that has fans and experts divided.

When asked to share a controversial opinion at the event, the 20-year-old confidently declared:
“Gukesh will lose his title in the next World Championship match. Is that controversial?”

This statement, directed toward reigning world champion Dommaraju Gukesh, immediately ignited discussions across the global chess community. Abdusattorov later doubled down when pressed further, saying, “Yes, for sure,” while also admitting that no one can predict a future world championship until the Candidates cycle is complete.

---

Who is Nodirbek Abdusattorov?

For those who may not know him yet, Nodirbek Abdusattorov is one of the brightest rising stars in international chess. Born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, he has already built an impressive resume:

• Former World Rapid Chess Champion (2021).
• Consistently ranked among the top 20 players globally.
• Part of Uzbekistan’s Olympiad-winning team in Chennai (2022).

Abdusattorov is admired for his aggressive and intuitive playing style, often compared to legends of the past. His rise has made him a national hero in Uzbekistan and a strong contender in every elite tournament he enters.

---

The Controversial Statement: Why It Matters

Abdusattorov’s prediction about Gukesh losing his world championship crown is more than just a throwaway line—it highlights the fierce competitiveness among the new generation of grandmasters. Gukesh, at just 19, recently became the youngest world champion in chess history, making Abdusattorov’s comment a direct challenge.

The remark has several layers:

• Psychological Mind Games: By publicly stating his opinion, Abdusattorov may be attempting to unsettle his rival.
• Confidence Booster: It reflects the Uzbek star’s self-belief that he can contend for the crown soon.
• Media Attention: Chess, often seen as reserved, benefits from bold statements that generate headlines and bring mainstream interest.

---

Reactions from the Chess World

The response to Abdusattorov’s statement has been swift and varied:

• Viswanathan Anand, the five-time world champion, downplayed the controversy, saying:
  “That’s how the game is played these days. Players know how to make content, and I find it good fun.”
• D. Gukesh, the reigning champion, chose diplomacy over drama:
  “Nodirbek is a great player. At this tournament, he can only qualify for the Candidates. That’s one more step to becoming world champion.”

This calm and composed reply from Gukesh shows his maturity, while Anand’s observation highlights the new reality of modern chess—where media presence and personality matter just as much as over-the-board performance.

---

Current Performance at the Grand Swiss 2025

Despite the controversy, Nodirbek Abdusattorov is proving his strength where it matters most—on the chessboard. After Round 3, he stands among the tournament leaders with 2.5 points out of 3, tied alongside big names like Parham Maghsoodloo, R. Praggnanandhaa, and Gukesh himself.

His strong start positions him well for qualification to the Candidates Tournament 2026, the gateway to challenging for the World Chess Championship.

---

Recent Tournaments: Sinquefield Cup Recap

Before the Grand Swiss, Abdusattorov competed at the Sinquefield Cup 2025 in St. Louis. His journey there was mixed:

• He suffered a tough loss against Wesley So in a Scotch Gambit game, which later became a “Game of the Week” analysis highlight.
• However, he bounced back with an impressive win over Alireza Firouzja, showing resilience and adaptability.

These performances underline his ability to learn quickly from setbacks—an essential trait for any future world champion.

---

What’s Next for Abdusattorov?

Beyond the Grand Swiss, Nodirbek Abdusattorov has already confirmed his participation in the WR Chess Masters Cup 2025, set to be held in London from October 14–18. This event will feature many top players, and Abdusattorov’s presence guarantees exciting battles.

If he continues his momentum from the Grand Swiss, Abdusattorov could be one step closer to securing a place in the next Candidates Tournament, bringing him face-to-face with the possibility of fulfilling his bold prediction.