Indian chess sensation D Gukesh, who recently became the youngest world champion, is now the subject of a social media frenzy. A casual photograph featuring him alongside Alexandra Botez, a well-known chess streamer, has taken the internet by storm.

Botez shared the image with a playful caption: “Why does it seem like we kidnapped D Gukesh?” The lighthearted remark quickly grabbed attention, amassing over a million views on X (formerly Twitter) within hours.

Netizens had a field day with humorous takes. One user quipped, “He’s probably already plotting his next grandmaster strategy,” while another observed, “His calm expression contrasts sharply with the chaos around him.”

Amid the online amusement, some fans pointed out that Botez had previously uploaded a similar post featuring chess legend Viswanathan Anand, recycling the same caption. The coincidence only added fuel to the meme-worthy moment.

Gukesh’s meteoric rise

At just 18 years old, Gukesh shattered records in December 2024, defeating Ding Liren to clinch the world title. His victory surpassed Garry Kasparov’s historic feat, making him the youngest ever chess world champion by a margin of over four years.

Despite his growing recognition, Gukesh maintains a reserved online presence, making moments like these all the more delightful for his fans. The viral photo serves as a reminder of how the chess world blends brilliance with unexpected humor.