In the FIDE World Chess Championship, 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju from India has made history by becoming the youngest chess world champion. Gukesh achieved this remarkable feat by defeating the defending champion, China’s Ding Liren, in a nail-biting final game in Singapore. This victory not only secured his place in the annals of chess history but also made him four years younger than the previous record-holder, Garry Kasparov, who was 22 when he won the title in 1985.
The championship, consisting of 14 intense games, culminated in a thrilling final match where Gukesh, playing with the black pieces, capitalized on a crucial mistake by Ding. Despite being in a seemingly advantageous position, Ding blundered under pressure, allowing Gukesh to secure a decisive victory. The final score stood at 7.5-6.5 in favor of the young Indian prodigy.
“I probably got so emotional because I did not really expect to win that position,” Gukesh admitted to reporters, reflecting on the intense emotions of the moment.
Gukesh’s path to the world championship has been a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication. Born and raised in Chennai, known as India’s chess capital, Gukesh was introduced to chess at a young age. His parents, a surgeon and a medical professor, enrolled him in chess sessions to keep him occupied after school. His coaches quickly recognized his potential and encouraged his family to invest in his training.
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By the age of 12, Gukesh had already attained the status of chess grandmaster, becoming the third-youngest in history. His rise in the chess world has been meteoric, culminating in his victory at the Candidates tournament in April, which earned him the right to challenge Ding for the world title.
Ding Liren, the reigning world champion, has had a challenging year since winning the title in 2023. Despite his impressive track record, Ding’s form had been inconsistent, and he had taken a break from chess to address mental health issues. His return to the championship saw a resurgence in confidence, especially after winning the opening game and the 12th round against Gukesh.
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However, Thursday’s game was a testament to the unpredictable nature of chess. Ding’s blunder on the 55th move, where he moved his rook into a vulnerable position, was the turning point. The mistake allowed Gukesh to clinch the title, with Ding resigning three moves later.
“Ding seemed to have a risk-free chance to push for a win, but instead liquidated into a pawn-down endgame,” Chess.com noted in its post-game summary. “It should have been drawn, but Ding blundered as the pressure grew.”
Gukesh’s victory marks a significant milestone for Indian chess. He is only the second Indian player to become world chess champion, following in the footsteps of the legendary Viswanathan Anand, who last won the title in 2012. Gukesh’s success is a testament to the growing prominence of chess in India, a development many attribute to Anand’s efforts to promote the game in the country.
“It’s a proud moment for chess, a proud moment for India… and for me, a very personal moment of pride,” Gukesh said, expressing his joy and gratitude.
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The young champion’s achievement has garnered widespread acclaim, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi among the first to congratulate him. “Historic and exemplary!” Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Congratulations to Gukesh D on his remarkable accomplishment. This is the result of his unparalleled talent, hard work, and unwavering determination.”
As the 18th world chess champion, Gukesh’s journey is just beginning. He acknowledged the continued dominance of Magnus Carlsen, who relinquished his title in 2022, and expressed his motivation to strive for further excellence. “Becoming the world champion doesn’t mean that I’m the best player in the world, obviously there’s Magnus, so it’s also a motivating factor,” Gukesh stated.
The FIDE World Chess Championship carries a $2.5 million prize fund, adding a significant financial reward to Gukesh’s historic victory. His triumph is expected to inspire a new generation of chess players in India and around the world.
