Are you curious about Gukesh Dommaraju and his remarkable achievements? The Indian chess prodigy has made history as the youngest world chess champion, showcasing extraordinary talent and determination. From his early start in chess to becoming a grandmaster at 12, Gukesh’s journey is a story of ambition, resilience, and unmatched skill.
Here’s everything you need to know about Gukesh Dommaraju, his historic victory, and him becoming the youngest world chess champion.
Gukesh Dommaraju becomes youngest world chess champion
Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju made history on Thursday, becoming the youngest world chess champion at just 18 years old. Dommaraju defeated China’s Ding Liren in a 14-game match held in Singapore, clinching victory with 7.5 points to Ding’s 6.5. The match, carrying a $2.5 million prize fund, concluded dramatically in Game 14 when Ding blundered on move 55, allowing Dommaraju to secure the title.
This achievement surpasses Garry Kasparov’s record, who became world champion at 22 in 1985. Dommaraju, who became a grandmaster at 12 years and seven months, has been on a remarkable journey in chess. His path to the championship included winning the Candidates Tournament earlier this year, earning him the right to challenge Ding. He is now the second Indian to hold the title, following his mentor, Viswanathan Anand, a five-time world champion.
The match was a back-and-forth battle. Dommaraju lost the first game, leveled in Game 3, took the lead in Game 11, and faced a setback when Ding equalized in Game 12. The decisive Game 14 appeared headed for a draw until Ding’s critical mistake. Dommaraju, known for his composure, capitalized on the opportunity, marking a significant moment in chess history.
Dommaraju’s rise reflects the strength of Indian chess, supported by a robust system that includes over 85 grandmasters and thousands of rated players. His achievements also include individual gold medals in the last two Chess Olympiads and leading India to a team gold in Budapest 2024. Beyond chess, Dommaraju is supported by his parents, sponsors, and mentors, including Anand, who expressed pride in his accomplishment.
This victory cements Gukesh Dommaraju as a pivotal figure in modern chess, inspiring a new generation of players globally after becoming the youngest world chess champion. He now aims to continue his journey at the top, aspiring to surpass Magnus Carlsen as the world’s top-ranked player.
