Grand Master D. Gukesh became the youngest world chess champion ever after defeating Ding Liren of China in the final game of their match. The 18-year-old from Chennai broke the record held by the Russian Garry Kasparov for nearly four decades.
The era of India’s GM Gukesh Dommaraju as chess world champion has begun, after an incredibly hard-fought 2024 FIDE World Championship in Singapore suddenly ended when the Chinese reigning champion GM Ding Liren blundered in the final classical game. Gukesh defeated defending champion Ding Liren 7.5-6.5 in an intense 14th and final classical game of the World Chess Championship held in Singapore. “The only way to explain is just I’m living my dream!” said Gukesh after his triumph.
He is the second Indian after the legendary Viswanathan Anand to win the global title. Also, Gukesh is only the third Asian to win the World Championship, after Anand, who is now a mentor for Gukesh, was the first, and Ding the second.
Gukesh D: The boy who is king:
GUKESH D has bittersweet memories of his first brush with the World Chess Championship. The story goes that 11 years ago when Chennai hosted the showpiece battle between Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen Gukesh and his father were at the Hyatt Regency to get a feel of the action. There were no seats left in the playing hall that day. Not that father and son cared. They were content standing at the back and watching the action from a distance.
Gukesh’s dream became more specific, since after winning the Under 11 Indian Championship in 2017 he famously told IM Sagar Shah, “I want to become the youngest world chess champion.”
Reflecting on Gukesh’s achievement, five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand expressed both surprise and admiration. “It’s historic because he is the youngest world champion ever. It’s also a surprise because 20 minutes before the end, it didn’t look like the championship would be decided today—we were expecting a tiebreaker on Friday,” Anand said in an exclusive interview.
When asked about Gukesh’s strengths, Anand highlighted his well-rounded game and mental resilience. “You have to excel in everything to win at this level. Gukesh has done that. He was very focused and dedicated, and he overcame every challenge thrown at him. He was rewarded for that today,” Anand added.
This monumental victory cements D Gukesh’s status as a new powerhouse in the world of chess, inspiring millions and ushering in a new era for Indian chess.
