Dommaraju Gukesh, known to the chess world as Gukesh D., has firmly etched his name in the annals of chess history. At just 18 years old, the young prodigy claimed the title of World Chess Champion in a thrilling 14-game match against China’s Ding Liren, held from November 25 to December 12, 2024, in Singapore. Gukesh’s victory by a narrow margin of 7½–6½ makes him the youngest undisputed world champion in the sport’s storied history.
This remarkable triumph follows a string of early accomplishments, including team bronze and individual gold at the 2022 FIDE Chess Olympiad. During the Olympiad, Gukesh achieved a stellar individual performance rating of 2867, scoring nine points out of 11 games. These feats have solidified his position as one of the brightest stars in the chess universe.
A Hero’s Welcome
Gukesh’s historic win sparked jubilation across India, with fans giving him a hero’s reception upon his return to Chennai. His journey from a precocious talent to world champion has captivated the nation, inspiring a new generation of chess enthusiasts.
Early Life and Rapid Rise
Born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai to scholarly parents—his father, a surgeon, and his mother, a microbiologist—Gukesh was introduced to chess during his early school years. At just seven, he began playing tournaments and, within a year, secured a permanent coach. By age nine, he had already won the Asian U12 Championship, signaling the arrival of a formidable talent.
Gukesh’s meteoric rise continued unabated. In 2018, he claimed five gold medals across all formats and time controls, and by January 2019, he had narrowly missed breaking Sergey Karjakin’s record as the youngest-ever grandmaster, achieving the title just weeks later than Karjakin’s two-decade-old milestone.
An Unstoppable Force in Chess
Gukesh’s trajectory has been nothing short of phenomenal. By his 18th birthday, he had not only reached the elite 2600, 2700, and 2750 rating milestones but also qualified for the prestigious World Championship cycle and the Candidates Tournament. His rapid ascent has been marked by record-breaking performances, including the fastest rating growth in a calendar year.
In the 2024 World Chess Championship, Gukesh showcased his relentless focus and composure, dethroning Ding Liren, a seasoned champion, in a match that enthralled chess fans worldwide.
The Dawn of a New Era
Gukesh’s achievement signals the dawn of a new era in chess, where youthful brilliance meets unrelenting dedication. Despite his age, Gukesh has already left an indelible mark on the game, breaking records and pushing boundaries.
For India, his victory is not just a personal triumph but a national celebration—a testament to the country’s growing prominence in the world of chess. As Gukesh continues to scale new heights, his story serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring players around the globe.
