Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju has made history by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion at the age of 18. The Chennai-born teenager defeated reigning champion Ding Liren of China in a nail-biting finale at the FIDE World Chess Championship held in Singapore, clinching the title and a $2.5 million prize fund.
Born in May 2006, Gukesh is the 18th world champion in the sport's history, surpassing the previous record set by Garry Kasparov, who won the title at 22 in 1985. His triumph marks the pinnacle of a meteoric rise in the chess world, beginning with his grandmaster title at the age of 12 years and seven months.
The championship match against Ding was a tightly contested 14-game series, with both players tied at two wins apiece heading into the final game. A critical error by Ding on move 55 allowed Gukesh to seize victory, avoiding the need for a tiebreak.
“I dreamt of being world champion since I was seven,” Gukesh said during the post-match press conference. “But I never thought it would happen this soon.”
Gukesh’s victory is the latest milestone in a series of remarkable accomplishments. Over the past three years, he has claimed individual gold medals at the Chess Olympiads, leading India to a team bronze in 2022 and gold in 2024. He also won the prestigious Candidates Tournament, earning the right to challenge Ding for the world title.
Mentored by former five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, Gukesh has shown resilience and determination, overcoming setbacks to dominate on the global stage.
Gukesh’s success is a testament to India’s thriving chess ecosystem. With over 85 grandmasters and more than 30,000 rated players, India has emerged as a powerhouse in the chess world.
Gukesh’s parents, both doctors, have been instrumental in his journey, putting their careers on hold to support his ambitions. Financial backing from sponsors like Westbridge Capital and guidance from the Westbridge Anand Chess Academy have also played a crucial role.
His school, Velammal Vidyalaya, allowed him the flexibility to balance academics and professional chess, further enabling his rise.
Beyond chess, Gukesh enjoys meditation, swimming, and tennis. However, his primary focus remains his chess career. He aims to surpass Magnus Carlsen as the world’s top-ranked player and maintain a long-standing presence at the top of the sport.
“This title is just a step,” Gukesh remarked. “I want to achieve much more in my journey as a chess player.”
With his historic win, Gukesh Dommaraju has not only etched his name in the annals of chess but also inspired a new generation of players worldwide.