18-Year-Old Gukesh Dommaraju Becomes Youngest World Chess Champion
On December 12, 2024, Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh made history by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion. The 18-year-old clinched the prestigious title after defeating China’s Ding Liren in the decisive 14th game of the championship.
This victory marked a significant milestone in Gukesh’s career as he became the first teenager to achieve this feat. His remarkable year also included a win at the Candidates Tournament and helping India secure a gold medal at the Chess Olympiad. In the final match, Gukesh capitalized on a critical mistake by Ding Liren and sealed the game in his 58th move.
Gukesh’s achievement shattered the long-standing record held by Garry Kasparov, who had become the youngest World Chess Champion at 22 in 1985.
Who is D Gukesh?
May 29, 2006:
Gukesh Dommaraju was born in Chennai, India, into a Telugu-speaking family. His father, Dr. Rajinikanth, is an ENT surgeon, and his mother, Dr. Padma, is a microbiologist.
2013:
Gukesh began learning chess at the age of seven, practicing for an hour, three times a week. His potential quickly became evident, and he started participating in weekend tournaments.
2015:
He earned his first major accolade by winning the Under-9 section of the Asian School Chess Championships.
2018:
Gukesh won the Under-12 category of the World Youth Chess Championships. In the same year, he claimed five gold medals at the Asian Youth Chess Championships across various formats.
March 2017:
Gukesh achieved the title of International Master at just 10 years old.
January 2019:
At 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days, Gukesh became the third-youngest Grandmaster in chess history.
August 2023:
Gukesh became the youngest player ever to achieve a rating of 2750, announcing himself as a top contender in the chess world.
September 2023:
He surpassed the legendary Viswanathan Anand as India’s top-ranked chess player, ending Anand’s 37-year reign.
2024:
Gukesh won the Candidates Tournament, earning his spot in the World Chess Championship. In September, he led India to its first-ever Chess Olympiad gold medal alongside teammates Arjun Erigaisi, Pentala Harikrishna, R Praggnanandhaa, and Vidit Gujrathi.
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December 12, 2024:
Gukesh became the second Indian to win the World Chess Championship, following in the footsteps of Viswanathan Anand, a four-time champion.
Prominent figures, including Anand Mahindra, Sachin Tendulkar, PM Modi congratulated Gukesh for his historic win. This landmark victory solidifies his place as a chess legend and inspires a new generation of players worldwide.
