Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju becomes the youngest FIDE World Chess Champion at 18, defeating Ding Liren in a thrilling match. Discover his incredible journey and historic victory.
In a historic moment for the world of chess, Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju has become the youngest-ever FIDE World Chess Champion at just 18 years old. The Chennai-born prodigy achieved this milestone by defeating defending champion Ding Liren of China in a thrilling 14-game match held in Singapore.
A Record-Breaking Victory
Gukesh’s victory not only earned him the title of the 18th World Chess Champion but also shattered the record previously held by Garry Kasparov, who won the championship at 22. Born in May 2006, Gukesh’s meteoric rise to the top of the chess world has stunned fans and experts alike.
The match, which had a prize fund of $2.5 million, was tied at two wins each after 13 games. Game 14 appeared to be heading for a draw, which would have resulted in tiebreaks with shorter time controls. However, Ding blundered on move 55, and Gukesh capitalized on the error to secure his place in history.
A Journey of Dedication and Talent
Gukesh’s journey to the pinnacle of chess began early. He became a Grandmaster at the age of 12 years and seven months, making him one of the youngest Grandmasters in history. His passion for chess was ignited when he attended the 2013 World Chess Championship match between Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen at the age of seven.
Guided by the legendary Viswanathan Anand, who is himself a five-time World Chess Champion, Gukesh honed his skills to emerge as one of the most formidable players of his generation.
Overcoming Challenges
The path to the championship was not without its hurdles. Gukesh faced setbacks during the Candidates Tournament, a critical event that determined his right to challenge Ding Liren. Despite suffering a loss midway, he bounced back with determination and won the event, securing his place in the title match.
In the championship, Gukesh lost the first game but made a strong comeback with a victory in game three. He then took the lead in game 11, only for Ding to equalize in game 12. The final game tested his nerves, but Gukesh’s composure and tactical brilliance saw him through.
A Support System Behind the Prodigy
Gukesh’s success is a testament to the robust chess ecosystem in India, which boasts over 85 Grandmasters and a thriving base of over 30,000 rated players. Supported by his parents, who are both doctors, and his school, Velammal Vidyalaya, Gukesh has benefitted from a nurturing environment that has propelled him to global stardom.
His parents, Rajinikanth and Padma, put their careers on hold to support their son’s dreams. From crowd-funding his early international tournaments to ensuring he had access to top coaching, their sacrifices played a crucial role in his journey.
Gukesh is also a part of the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy, spearheaded by Viswanathan Anand, which has provided him with world-class training and resources.
A Rising Star with Lofty Goals
While Gukesh has already etched his name in the annals of chess history, he remains focused on the future. His goals include becoming the world’s top-rated player and maintaining a long and successful career at the pinnacle of chess.
Apart from chess, Gukesh enjoys meditation, swimming, and tennis, which help him stay balanced and focused.
The Impact of Gukesh’s Win
Gukesh’s triumph is a proud moment for India, cementing the nation’s reputation as a global chess powerhouse. His journey inspires countless young players and underscores the importance of dedication, resilience, and support in achieving greatness.
