Indian chess sensation Gukesh Dommaraju has made history as the youngest world chess champion, achieving the feat at just 18 years old.
The Chennai-born grandmaster defeated defending champion Ding Liren of China in a dramatic final match held in Singapore, cementing his status as a global chess icon.
Gukesh’s rise to the pinnacle of chess has been meteoric. He became a grandmaster at the age of 12 years and seven months, earning recognition as a prodigy destined for greatness.
However, even he was surprised by how soon he clinched the world title.
“I’ve dreamed of this moment since I was seven, watching the World Championship match between Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen in 2013,” Gukesh said after his historic victory.
Born in May 2006, Gukesh shattered the previous record held by Garry Kasparov, who was 22 when he claimed the title in 1985.
The title match against Ding Liren was a closely fought 14-game series, with each player securing two wins before the decisive final game.
Tensions ran high as Game 14 seemed headed for a draw, which would have led to tiebreaks. However, Ding blundered on the 55th move, allowing Gukesh to seize the opportunity and claim victory.
The triumph capped a series of remarkable achievements for Gukesh. Over the past three years, he has won individual gold medals at the Chess Olympiads, led India to a team bronze in Chennai in 2022, and secured team gold in Budapest in 2024.
Gukesh credits much of his success to his mentor, five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, whom he affectionately calls “Vishy Sir.”
Despite initially doubting Gukesh’s readiness for the world stage, Anand played a pivotal role in refining the young champion’s skills.
Gukesh’s parents, both doctors, also made significant sacrifices to support his chess career. His father, Rajinikanth, a surgeon, and his mother, Padma, a microbiologist, paused their professional pursuits and even sought crowdfunding to cover the expenses of Gukesh’s international tournaments.
Additionally, his school, Velammal Vidyalaya in Chennai, granted him the flexibility to balance his education with a rigorous chess schedule.
Gukesh’s success reflects the strength of India’s chess infrastructure. The country boasts over 85 grandmasters, many of them under 18, supported by a vast network of over 30,000 rated players.
India’s dominance was evident at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest, where the country won gold in both the Open and Women’s categories. Gukesh’s performance on the top board was instrumental in securing these victories.
While celebrating his world title, Gukesh remains focused on his long-term goals. He aspires to dethrone Magnus Carlsen as the world’s top-ranked player and maintain a lasting presence at the pinnacle of chess.
“Winning the title is just one step in my journey,” Gukesh said. “I aim to have a very long career at the top.”
