India’s Grandmaster D. Gukesh has etched his name in history as the youngest player to win a world chess championship. At just 18 years old, Gukesh achieved this incredible feat by defeating China’s defending champion Ding Liren in the 14th and final match. His victory not only marks a personal milestone but also a proud moment for India, solidifying the nation’s growing prowess in the chess world.
Gukesh, born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, India, is a young chess prodigy who made history by becoming the youngest player to win the World Chess Championship at just 18 years old. Gukesh began playing chess at the age of seven and quickly rose through the ranks. He won multiple titles, including the Asian School Chess Championship and World Youth Chess Championship. Known for his strategic brilliance, Gukesh’s victory marks a major milestone in Indian chess, following in the footsteps of legend Viswanathan Anand.
The Journey to Becoming the Youngest World Champion
The journey to becoming the youngest World Chess Champion began at the age of seven when he started playing chess. His dedication led him to drop out of school after the fourth standard to focus on the game. Gukesh’s breakthrough came after winning the Candidates Tournament, which earned him a spot in the World Chess Championship. With consistent hard work and determination, he defeated defending champion Ding Liren at 18, claiming the title and solidifying his place in chess history.
The Turning Point: Winning the Candidates Tournament
Winning the Candidates Tournament was a pivotal moment in D. Gukesh’s career. The tournament, which determines the challenger for the World Chess Championship, saw Gukesh’s exceptional skills and strategic brilliance shine through. His victory in the 2024 Candidates Tournament secured his place as the challenger for the World Championship, making him the youngest player ever to do so. This achievement marked a significant milestone in his journey, demonstrating his readiness to compete at the highest level and setting the stage for his historic victory.
The Match That Made History
The 14th and final match of the World Chess Championship between D. Gukesh and Ding Liren was nothing short of historic. At just 18 years old, Gukesh faced the defending champion, Ding, in a tense showdown. After a series of intense games, the match reached its climax when Ding made a critical mistake in the final round. Gukesh, seizing the opportunity, capitalized on the blunder and secured victory.
The moment was a game-changer not only for Gukesh but also for Indian chess. With this win, he became the youngest ever to claim the prestigious title of World Chess Champion. As he realized the magnitude of his achievement, a broad smile spread across his face, symbolizing both relief and triumph. Ding, acknowledging his error, graciously shook hands with Gukesh, marking the end of an unforgettable match. This victory will forever be etched in the history of chess.
A Family of Sacrifices and Dreams
He success as a world chess champion is not just his own; it is a testament to the sacrifices made by his family. His father, Rajinikanth, an ENT surgeon, put his career on hold to support Gukesh’s passion for chess. For half of each month, he traveled with him to tournaments, while balancing his medical practice during the remaining time. This sacrifice impacted his career, but his unwavering commitment to his son’s dreams never wavered.
Gukesh’s mother, Padma, a microbiologist, also played a crucial role in nurturing his talent. Both parents made significant personal and professional sacrifices to ensure Gukesh received the best opportunities. Their support and belief in his potential allowed him to focus entirely on chess, even after he dropped out of school. The sacrifices of his family were pivotal in shaping his path to becoming a world champion, making their shared journey as important as his victory.
Inspiration from Grand Master Praggnanandhaa
Gukesh Dommaraju’s journey in chess was greatly influenced by Grand Master Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, a fellow student from his school. Praggnanandhaa, who was a chess prodigy and became a world champion in the Under-10 category, served as a major source of inspiration for Gukesh. Growing up, Gukesh witnessed Praggnanandhaa’s early successes, which sparked his own passion for chess and motivated him to pursue the game at a professional level.
Praggnanandhaa’s achievements showed Gukesh that it was possible to achieve greatness in chess at a young age, and this influenced Gukesh’s decision to dedicate himself fully to the game. Like Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh made the bold choice to drop out of regular school and focus entirely on his chess career. This shared path of dedication and sacrifice further fueled Gukesh’s desire to follow in Praggnanandhaa’s footsteps and aim for the world title.
Gukesh's Early Achievements
Gukesh’s ascent in chess started with some noteworthy early achievements. He took home the World Youth Chess Championship under-12 title in 2018 after winning the Asian School Chess Championship in 2015. He won five gold medals at the Asian Youth Chess Championship that same year. Due to his quick development, Gukesh won the 34th Open de Capelle Grand Chess Championship in France in 2018 and was crowned an International Grandmaster. These early triumphs established the groundwork for his subsequent accomplishments and positioned him as a rising star in the chess world.
Financial Rewards: Chess’s Biggest Prize Money
Gukesh won a total prize of $1.35 million (about Rs 11.45 crore) for his historic triumph in the World Chess Championship, while Ding Liren’s opponent took home $1.15 million (roughly Rs 9.75 crore). The championship’s importance was mirrored in the prize money, which was among the highest in chess. It’s interesting to note that even chess great Viswanathan Anand could not anticipate Gukesh winning the title so quickly. His prediction that the match would probably end in a tie-breaker on Friday made Gukesh’s victory all the more impressive.
The Emotional Moment: Gukesh's Reaction to Victory
When D. Gukesh secured his historic World Chess Championship victory, his emotions were overwhelming. After Ding Liren made a critical mistake in the final match, Gukesh seized the opportunity and clinched the title. As the realization of his achievement set in, Gukesh’s face lit up with a wide smile. In a viral moment, he stood up from his chair, walked back, and celebrated, while Ding, acknowledging his error, shook Gukesh’s hand in mutual respect.
The Legacy of Indian Chess
India has had an incredible chess journey, led by chess greats such as Viswanathan Anand. Five-time world champion Anand is recognized for pioneering Indian chess on the international scene and motivating a new generation of players. Gukesh Dommaraju is only the second Indian to accomplish this accomplishment, and his historic victory as the youngest world chess champion continues this tradition.
Young chess prodigies like Praggnanandhaa, Nihal Sarin, and Gukesh himself have helped India become a chess superpower. The rise in popularity of online chess platforms, creative training programs, and better coaching have all helped these players.
The success of Gukesh heralds a new era in Indian chess and encourages young players to pursue their dreams. India has a greater chess history than ever thanks to these up-and-coming talent, opening the door for the sport’s promising future.
CONCLUSION :-
Gukesh’s journey to becoming the youngest world chess champion at just 18 is a testament to his talent, hard work, and the sacrifices of his family. His victory has not only brought immense pride to India but has also inspired a new generation of chess players. By joining the ranks of legends like Viswanathan Anand, Gukesh has proven that dreams can be achieved with dedication and support. As he continues to shine on the global stage, Gukesh’s story will inspire countless others to pursue greatness.
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FAQ
When did Gukesh start playing chess?
At the age of seven.
Who was India's first GM?
Viswanathan Anand.
Who was the youngest chess world champion before Gukesh?
Gary Kasparov.
Who is the strongest chess player?
Magnus Carlsen.
