Gukesh Dommaraju made history on Thursday by becoming the youngest world chess champion at just 18 years old, defeating reigning champion Ding Liren in the captivating finale of the World Chess Championship held in Singapore. Gukesh clinched the title with a 7.5-6.5 victory in a tense and dramatic Game 14, securing a portion of the $2.5 million prize pool.
From a young age, Gukesh has been a rising star in chess, previously making headlines at 12 when he became the second-youngest grandmaster ever. He has often cited Viswanathan Anand, India’s first world champion, as a major inspiration and role model, representing a new generation of Indian talent in the chess realm. Anand himself broke Russia’s long-standing dominance in the sport when he won the title in 2007.
The decisive match unfolded after a thrilling battle that saw both competitors tied at 6.5 points going into the final game. Gukesh had put immense pressure on Ding in Game 13, leading to a tense draw where Ding admitted to nearly conceding defeat.
“It’s fitting that the match goes to the last game, because we’ve both shown a lot of fighting spirit and played some very entertaining chess,” Gukesh commented, expressing mutual respect for his opponent.
Analysts pointed out that a critical error by Ding in Game 14 was pivotal in solidifying Gukesh’s victory. Emotions ran high for the young champion, who said, “I probably got so emotional because I did not really expect to win that position.” In an act of sportsmanship, Gukesh referred to Ding as “the real world champion,” acknowledging his formidable legacy in the sport.
The win drew accolades from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised Gukesh’s achievement as “historic and exemplary.” Modi highlighted that Gukesh has inspired countless young people to aspire for greatness in their pursuits.
This year’s championship was unique, as it was marked by the absence of Russian players, who have traditionally dominated the chess scene. Additionally, Magnus Carlsen, often regarded as the greatest chess player of all time, did not compete, having stepped away from the title in 2022 due to a lack of motivation.
Despite the absence of these titans, Gukesh’s victory represents a fresh chapter in chess history. His triumph signals a promising future for the game and demonstrates the remarkable potential of young players from diverse backgrounds. As he continues to inspire future generations, Gukesh’s win may herald the dawn of a new era in chess.