Gukesh Dommaraju has made history as the youngest world chess champion after triumphing over reigning champion Ding Liren in a thrilling concluding match at the World Chess Championship in Singapore. The 18-year-old prodigy, popularly known as Gukesh, claimed the prestigious title with a nail-biting 7.5-6.5 victory, wrapping up the competition with a decisive Game 14.
Gukesh, who earned the title of the second-youngest grandmaster at just 12 years old, is leading a new generation of chess talent from India, following in the footsteps of Viswanathan Anand, who first broke Russia’s long-standing dominance by winning the championship in 2007. Gukesh has publicly expressed admiration for Anand, describing him as both an inspiration and a role model.
The championship’s final game unfolded dramatically after both players had reached a deadlock, tying the score at 6.5 points after Game 13. Gukesh had left Ding on the edge in the previous game, where Ding almost conceded defeat, yet managed to salvage a draw, magnifying the tension leading into the final match.
In an emotional recount, Gukesh remarked on the thrilling nature of the competition: “It’s fitting that the match goes to the last game, because we’ve both showed a lot of fighting spirit and played some very entertaining chess.” Analysts noted that a critical mistake made by Ding in Game 14 significantly contributed to Gukesh’s victory. Gukesh humbly acknowledged Ding’s status in the chess world, stating, “For me, he is the real world champion.”
Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, celebrated Gukesh’s victory as “historic and exemplary,” highlighting how his achievement not only etches his name in chess history but also encourages countless young people to dream big and strive for excellence.
This year’s tournament was marked by notable absences; the absence of key Russian players and Magnus Carlsen from Norway, the latter having vacated his title in 2022, added a distinctive dynamic to the championship. Carlsen, known as one of the greatest players in history, had been a dominant force since his teenage years.
While Ding Liren’s previous triumph in claiming the title last year was a significant achievement for China, reaffirming its chess prowess, the absence of Russian competitors coupled with the challenges faced by Ding highlighted a pivotal shift in the sport’s landscape.
Gukesh’s victory marks not only a personal milestone but potentially a new era in chess, showcasing the incredible talent emerging from India and igniting hope for the future of competitive chess worldwide. Gukesh Dommaraju’s story is a testament to perseverance, and it offers a bright outlook for the next generation of chess players who continue to challenge the traditional strongholds of the game.