Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju made headlines on Thursday when he achieved a historic milestone by becoming the world’s youngest chess champion at the age of 18. The talented player from Chennai triumphed over reigning champion Ding Liren of China in a thrilling match held in Singapore. This victory is a major highlight in Gukesh’s already impressive career, which includes becoming a grandmaster at just 12 years and seven months old.
Since the age of seven, Gukesh had aspired to become world champion, inspired by watching a World Title match between Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen in 2013. As the 18th world champion since the title’s inception in 1886, Gukesh not only broke the record previously held by Garry Kasparov, but he dazzled spectators and chess enthusiasts alike with his skill and composure.
The championship match was a nail-biter, concluding in the 14th game after a tie in the previous rounds. Gukesh seized an opportunity following a blunder by Ding on move 55, leading him to victory and securing a share of the $2.5 million prize fund.
Over the past few years, Gukesh has continuously impressed the chess community with his accomplishments, including earning gold medals in the FIDE Chess Olympiad and leading the Indian team to team success in recent tournaments. Though Gukesh faced challenges and setbacks, including a significant loss earlier in his career, his resilience and talent have proven to be powerful forces in his journey to the top.
This remarkable achievement is also a testament to the rich chess ecosystem in India, supported by numerous grandmasters, dedicated mentors, and enthusiastic young players. Gukesh’s triumph not only shines a light on his incredible individual talent but also on the collective effort that has positioned India as a chess powerhouse.
With Gukesh’s victory, the future of chess looks promising, inspiring a new generation of players around the world. His journey embodies how passion, determination, and community support can lead to extraordinary successes.