Gukesh,18, Makes History As Youngest Ever World Chess Champion

India-West News Desk

SINGAPORE – Indian Grandmaster D. Gukesh achieved a historic milestone on December 12, becoming the youngest-ever world chess champion at the age of 18. He dethroned defending champion Ding Liren of China in a gripping final game of the 2024 World Chess Championship held in Singapore. The victory, secured after 58 intense moves in a four-hour match, made Gukesh only the second Indian to claim the prestigious title after the legendary Viswanathan Anand.

Gukesh clinched the championship with a score of 7.5 to Liren’s 6.5, earning him a major share of the $2.5 million prize purse. His triumph also broke a decades-old record set by Garry Kasparov, who had been the youngest world champion at 22 in 1985.

The Rise of a Chess Prodigy

Born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai to a Telugu family, Gukesh Dommaraju’s journey to chess greatness began at the age of seven. His father, Dr. Rajinikanth, an ENT surgeon, and his mother, Dr. Padma, a microbiologist, nurtured his early interest in the game. What started as a casual hobby—one-hour sessions three days a week—quickly turned into a full-fledged passion as Gukesh’s talent became evident in local tournaments.

His breakthrough came in 2015 when he won the Under-9 Asian School Chess Championship, followed by a title in the Under-12 World Youth Chess Championship in 2018. That same year, he swept five gold medals at the Asian Youth Chess Championships, showcasing his dominance across rapid, blitz, and classical formats.

In March 2017, Gukesh earned the title of International Master, and by December 2019, at just 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days, he became the third-youngest Grandmaster in history.

Breaking Barriers

The year 2023 cemented Gukesh’s place among the chess elite. In August, he became the youngest player to achieve a rating of 2750, and by September, he surpassed Viswanathan Anand to become the top-ranked Indian chess player, ending Anand’s 37-year reign. He also played a pivotal role in leading India to its first-ever Chess Olympiad gold medal, alongside teammates Arjun Erigaisi, R. Praggnanandhaa, Pentala Harikrishna, and Vidit Gujrathi.

In early 2024, Gukesh made headlines again as the youngest-ever winner of the Candidates Tournament, earning him a seat at the World Championship against Ding Liren.

A Momentous Win

The World Championship was a roller-coaster affair. Gukesh took an early lead with wins in Games 3 and 11, while Liren equalized with victories in Games 1 and 12. Heading into the decisive 14th game, the match was tied, but Gukesh’s precision and resilience sealed the victory, avoiding the need for tie-breaks.

Reacting to his historic win, the typically reserved teenager celebrated with an uncharacteristic grin and a triumphant raising of his arms. His achievement not only places him among the greatest in the chess world but also signals the arrival of a new era in Indian chess, as he follows in the footsteps of his idol, Viswanathan Anand.

With this victory, Gukesh becomes the 18th world chess champion, an extraordinary accomplishment for someone who just a year ago was making headlines for breaking records and pushing boundaries. His journey from a curious child prodigy to a global chess icon serves as an inspiration for aspiring players worldwide.