In an unprecedented achievement, Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju made history on Thursday by becoming the youngest world chess champion at just 18 years old. The prodigious player, hailing from Chennai, triumphed over reigning champion Ding Liren of China in an intense final match held in Singapore. This monumental victory not only represents the pinnacle of Gukesh’s career thus far but also comes with a staggering prize fund of $2.5 million.
Gukesh’s chess journey began at a young age. He became a grandmaster at just 12 years and seven months, openly sharing his aspiration to become a world champion. His passion for the game was ignited when he watched a World Title match between Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen in 2013, at the age of seven. Reflecting on his historic win, Gukesh admitted he was surprised to achieve his dream so soon, revealing the anxiety he felt during critical moments in the match against Ding.
This victory marks Gukesh as the 18th world champion in chess history, surpassing the previous record held by Garry Kasparov, who won the title at the age of 22 in 1985. The high-stakes championship concluded after 14 games, culminating in a tense final round. The match was tied until an unexpected blunder by Ding during move 55 allowed Gukesh to seize victory and claim the title.
Over the past three years, Gukesh has demonstrated extraordinary talent, winning individual gold medals in the FIDE Chess Olympiad and leading the Indian national team to major victories, including a bronze medal in Chennai 2022 and gold in Budapest 2024. His journey to the championship was initially met with skepticism from his mentor, former world champion Anand, who believed Gukesh lacked the necessary experience at first. However, he proved his resilience after facing setbacks during competitions.
Despite his individual success, Gukesh’s rise is also a reflection of the robust chess ecosystem in India, which has nurtured over 85 grandmasters and boasts a vibrant community of more than 30,000 rated players. His achievements underscore the support he has received from his parents, the Indian chess community, and educational institutions that have recognized his talent.
Gukesh’s historic win shines a light not only on his capabilities but also on the thriving chess culture in India, inspiring a new generation of players and fans. His journey reflects the importance of community support and the potential for young talents to achieve greatness on the world stage.
As Gukesh steps into his role as the youngest chess champion, the future looks bright for this young star and the Indian chess community, signaling a promising era in the world of chess.