Gukesh Dommaraju has made history by becoming the youngest world chess champion, triumphing over reigning champion Ding Liren in the final match of the World Chess Championship in Singapore on Thursday. The 18-year-old prodigy, known simply as Gukesh, emerged victorious with a score of 7.5-6.5 in a captivating Game 14, which concluded with a prize pool of $2.5 million.
Gukesh’s rise in chess is reminiscent of the breakthrough established by another Indian chess great, Viswanathan Anand, who ended Russia’s long-standing dominance in 2007. Gukesh considers Anand his mentor and inspiration. The dramatic final match followed a series of intense games, with the players tied before the crucial final classic showdown.
In Game 13, Gukesh rattled Ding to the point where Ding admitted he nearly conceded defeat, but managed to hold on and draw, leading to an overall tie at 6.5 points. Reflecting on the nail-biting encounters, Gukesh expressed at a news conference, “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.”
Experts noted a pivotal miscalculation by Ding in Game 14, which significantly contributed to Gukesh’s victory. The young champion admitted to feeling overwhelmed by emotion during the decisive moments, saying, “I probably got so emotional because I did not really expect to win that position.” He also humbly acknowledged Ding’s prowess, stating, “We all know who Ding is — he has been one of the best players in history. For me he is the real world champion.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Gukesh’s groundbreaking achievement as “historic and exemplary,” highlighting that the young champion has not only secured his spot in chess history but also served as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring minds across the country.
This year’s championship possessed a unique significance, marked not only by the absence of traditional Russian competitors but also the notable absence of Magnus Carlsen, the former titleholder and widely regarded “greatest of all time,” who stepped down from competitive play due to a loss of motivation.
The impact of Gukesh’s victory goes beyond just the title; it signifies a shift in the chess landscape, inspiring a new generation of players and showcasing the growing strength of Indian and global chess talent. His journey reflects the spirit of determination, commitment, and excellence, elements that resonate with many young individuals aspiring to break barriers within competitive domains.