The "multi-millionaire" tag does "mean a lot" to new world champion D. Gukesh, but he doesn't play the game for material gains but for that unbridled joy, which he has been able to retain since a chessboard used to be the "coolest toy" for him.

At just 18 years old, the Chennai-based Gukesh has earned Rs 11.45 crore in prize money from FIDE after his victory over China’s Ding Liren in the final. For him, it’s the pure joy of the game that matters most — a passion that has remained unchanged since childhood.