In a moment that will be etched in the annals of chess history, India’s D. Gukesh, aged just 18, became the youngest-ever World Chess Champion in 2024. He dethroned reigning champion Ding Liren of China in a nerve-wracking Game 14 to claim the prestigious title. This victory not only cements Gukesh’s place in the global chess pantheon but also reinforces India’s dominance in the chess world.
Early Life and Background
Born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu—India’s chess capital—Gukesh D. (Dommaraju Gukesh) showed a prodigious talent for chess from a young age. Encouraged by his father, a medical professional, and his mother, an engineer, Gukesh began playing chess at the age of seven. His meteoric rise in the chess world was evident when he became the second-youngest Grandmaster in history in 2019 at the age of 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days, narrowly missing Sergey Karjakin’s record by just 17 days.
The Road to Glory
Gukesh’s journey to the World Championship was anything but smooth. Competing against seasoned players like Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura, he often found himself as an underdog. In 2023, Gukesh achieved a historic feat by surpassing Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand in the FIDE rankings, becoming India’s No. 1 player. This moment marked the symbolic passing of the torch in Indian chess.
Despite his rapid rise, Gukesh faced challenges, including tough defeats in prestigious tournaments like the Candidates Tournament. However, his resilience and ability to learn from losses became his trademark. His victory at the 2024 World Chess Championship was built on a foundation of rigorous training, an exceptional understanding of endgames, and a fearless approach to aggressive play.
Achievements and Legacy
Gukesh’s triumph makes him the youngest player ever to win the World Chess Championship, surpassing the record set by Garry Kasparov in 1985. He also joins an elite group of players who achieved the title before turning 20.
His victory is a testament to India’s robust chess culture, inspired by pioneers like Viswanathan Anand. Gukesh’s success story will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of chess prodigies in India and beyond.
With the world at his feet and years ahead of him, Gukesh D. is not just a champion but a phenomenon, destined to leave an indelible mark on the chess world.