In brief
Gukesh Dommaraju's remarkable journey culminates with his victory in the FIDE World Chess Championship, making him the youngest champion in history. The Chennai-born player not only showcases his chess prowess but also emphasizes the vital support from his family, his mentor Viswanathan Anand, and the robust chess community in India, paving the way for future talents.
In a breathtaking turn of events, 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju has become the youngest chess champion in the world, a title he claimed after defeating reigning champion Ding Liren of China. The dramatic match, which took place in Singapore, showcases not only Gukesh's exceptional talent but also his perseverance as he navigated through the challenges presented by the seasoned opponent. Gukesh began his journey into chess at the young age of seven and soon indicated his aspirations to become a world champion, a goal he has now realized. Having secured the grandmaster title at just 12 years old, Gukesh's achievements in the sport have continued to stack up. He earned the individual gold medal at both the 2022 and 2024 Chess Olympiads and proved his mettle in the Candidates tournament that gave him the chance to challenge Ding Liren.During the championship match, Gukesh experienced ups and downs, including a shaky start where he lost the first game. However, determination led him to rebound and ultimately clinch the title in the final game after Ding made a critical blunder. His victory marks an important milestone, as Gukesh becomes the first champion born in the new millennium, surpassing Garry Kasparov's previous record.Gukesh credits his success to the steadfast support offered by his parents, who paused their medical careers to foster his growth in chess, as well as his mentor, five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand. The chess culture in India, boasting a robust ecosystem of over 85 grandmasters and a huge pool of rated players, has provided Gukesh with the resources and support needed for such remarkable accomplishments.With his eyes set on a long and successful career in chess, Gukesh expresses his desire to not only maintain his position at the top but also to someday surpass Magnus Carlsen, the current world number one. While competitions and titles loom large in his mind, Gukesh remains grounded and plans to continue honing his skills as he aspires to remain a prominent figure in chess for years to come.
