Gukesh Dommaraju: The Newest Star in the Chess World

The 14-game title match saw Gukesh defeating reigning champion Ding Liren, marking a historic achievement in chess history.

Indian chess sensation Gukesh Dommaraju has made waves in the chess community after clinching the title of the youngest world champion at only 18 years old. The Chennai-born player defeated defending champion Ding Liren of China in a thrilling match held in Singapore, echoing the excitement of a sports milestone.

Entering the match as the challenger, Gukesh's determination shone through, following years of hard work that saw him become a grandmaster at the tender age of 12 years and seven months. Gukesh, whose journey began watching famous matches at just seven years old, expressed that he envisioned this success from an early age but did not anticipate it arriving so soon.

This significant victory places Gukesh as the 18th world chess champion since the first title was contested in 1886. His achievement surpasses that of Garry Kasparov, who held the previous record of being the youngest champion at 22 years old. The final match was intensely competitive, with Gukesh and Ding both securing equal points until a blunder from Ding in the final stages allowed Gukesh to seize victory.

Over the past three years, Gukesh's rise in the ranks has been meteoric, including his gold medal performances at the FIDE Chess Olympiad and his triumph in the Candidates Tournament that qualified him for the title challenge. Gukesh's mentor, former world champion Viswanathan Anand, initially doubted his experience but has since witnessed his impressive comeback capabilities.

Gukesh's victory is a testament to India's flourishing chess environment, which boasts over 85 grandmasters and a vibrant ecosystem fostering budding talent. His success story also highlights the crucial support system from his parents, who sacrificed their careers to nurture his talent and sponsored his participation in numerous international tournaments.

With aspirations to dethrone Magnus Carlsen as the top player globally, Gukesh's ambitions extend beyond just holding the title—he hopes to sustain a long-lasting career at the pinnacle of chess. This remarkable young talent is ready to set new benchmarks in the chess world as he continues to capture the imagination of chess fans worldwide.