Gukesh Dommaraju is an Indian teen who became the world’s youngest chess champion in 2024. He defeated Ding Liren of China in the final match of the World Chess Championship.
Move aside, Garry Kasparov—there is a new youngest chess champion in town! Meet Gukesh Dommaraju, the 18-year-old chess prodigy from Chennai, India, who stunned the world by winning the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship in Singapore.
Facing off against reigning champion Ding Liren of China in a nail-biting 14th game, Gukesh clinched victory after Ding made a critical blunder on move 55. With this win, Gukesh not only bagged the $2.5 million prize but also smashed Kasparov’s record of being the youngest champion. The prestigious one title the Russian legend held since 1985 at the age of 22.
Gukesh’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. He started playing chess at age seven after casually watching family members play. By 12, he was a grandmaster, and today, he’s living his dream of becoming the world champion. But this victory wasn’t just about luck—it was years of hard work, intense competition, and incredible support from his family, school, and mentor, five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand.
“Every chess player dreams of this moment,” Gukesh said after the win. “To live that dream feels unreal.”
Young Lad Has a Long Road To Lead
The young champion’s career is already filled with glittering accolades. He led India to a gold medal at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest, won the FIDE Candidates tournament, and even dethroned Magnus Carlsen in a previous event. His calm under pressure and strategic brilliance have made him a force to reckon with.
India, a growing chess powerhouse, is ecstatic about his win. From Prime Minister Modi to cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, congratulations are pouring in. As the second Indian to hold the world champion title after Anand, Gukesh has inspired millions of young minds across the globe.
So, what’s next for this rising star? Gukesh aims to become the world’s top-ranked player and have a long career at the top. With his talent and determination, he’s undoubtedly on the right path. Bravo, Gukesh—you’ve made chess cooler than ever!
