In a stunning upset, 18-year-old Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju made history on Thursday by becoming the youngest player ever to claim the world championship title. In a thrilling showdown held in Singapore, the young chess sensation from Chennai emerged victorious against reigning titleholder Ding Liren of China, whom he had faced as a challenger. The prestigious FIDE World Chess Championship boasted a substantial prize purse of $2.5 million (£1.96 million).
This milestone represented the pinnacle of his professional success, the crowning jewel in a lengthy and distinguished list of accomplishments. At just 12 years and seven months old, Gukesh achieved the prestigious title of grandmaster, and from that moment on, he openly expressed his ambition to become the world chess champion.
Dommaraju Gukesh, the reigning World Chess Champion, has fired back at Magnus Carlsen’s criticism regarding his nail-biting showdown against Ding Liren in Singapore. In a grueling 14-game match, Gukesh emerged victorious, outlasting the former titleholder in a back-and-forth battle that went down to the wire.
The Coronation of the 18th World Chess Champion
In a historic achievement, D Gukesh has become the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion of all time, rewriting the record books less than 24 hours ago. Starting the year as a 17-year-old, he has had a phenomenal run securing double gold, and ultimately defeating reigning champion Ding Liren of China with a score of 7.5-6.5, winning three of his star-studded team, Gukesh’s decade-long journey, fueled by his parents’ unwavering dedication and hard work, has finally reached its pinnacle. His remarkable achievement is reminiscent of Vishy Anand’s first World Championship win nearly 24 years ago, which sparked a wave of inspiration across the nation. Gukesh’s triumph is poised to inspire a new generation, cementing India’s position in the ‘Golden
Chess World Champion Winner
India’s grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju (R) reacts after winning against China’s chess grandmaster Ding Liren in game 14 of the 2024 FIDE World Championship in Singapore on December 12, 2024. The 18-year-old became “the YOUNGEST WORLD CHAMPION in history”, said the International Chess Federation in a post on social media platform X, after Ding resigned in a thrilling endgame that had been expected to end in a draw. (Photo by Simon Lim / AFP) (Photo by SIMON LIM/AFP via Getty Images)
Gukesh brushed off the criticism from Carlsen, stating that it had no impact on him. The Indian chess champion emphasized that the outcome of a World Championship match is not solely determined by the quality of play, but also by the mental toughness and resilience of the players involved.
Who is Gukesh?
Dommaraju Gukesh, commonly known as Gukesh D, is an Indian chess prodigy and one of the world’s youngest chess grandmasters. Born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Gukesh achieved remarkable milestones in chess at a very young age:
Key Achievements:
- Youngest Grandmaster at the Time (2019):
- Gukesh became a Grandmaster at the age of 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days, making him the second-youngest Grandmaster in history at that time. He narrowly missed the record set by Sergey Karjakin.
- Chess Olympiad 2022:
- Gukesh played a phenomenal role for India in the 44th Chess Olympiad held in Chennai, scoring an impressive 9/11 on Board 1, which earned him a gold medal for individual performance.
- World Rankings:
- As of recent years, Gukesh has consistently been among the top young chess players globally. He has frequently competed against top-level opponents, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the chess world.
- Historic Feat Against Magnus Carlsen (2023):
- Gukesh became the youngest player to defeat World Champion Magnus Carlsen in a classical game.
- Crossing the 2750 Elo Rating Barrier:
- By 2023, Gukesh crossed the coveted 2750 Elo rating, placing him among the elite players in the world.
Playing Style:
Gukesh is known for his aggressive and creative play, often favoring dynamic and sharp positions. His composure under pressure and ability to find resourceful moves in complex positions have made him a formidable opponent.
Contributions to Indian Chess:
Gukesh is part of a new generation of Indian chess players who are following the path paved by legends like Viswanathan Anand. Alongside peers like Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, Nihal Sarin, and Arjun Erigaisi, he is helping to elevate India’s status in the global chess arena.
