In a historic moment for Indian chess, D Gukesh became the youngest-ever World Chess Champion at 18, surpassing the previous record held by Russian legend Garry Kasparov. Gukesh clinched the title after a dramatic victory over reigning champion Ding Liren of China in the 14th and final game of the 2024 World Chess Championship, held in Singapore. His victory in the last classical time control game brought his score to 7.5 points, while Ding Liren finished with 6.5 points.
The match was tense and captivating, with the two players battling it over 14 games. The 14th game, which lasted for four hours and consisted of 58 moves, seemed destined for a draw, but Gukesh’s precise play in the final moments secured him the victory. With this win, Gukesh became the 18th World Chess Champion in history, and as the titleholder, he will receive a significant share of the USD 2.5 million prize purse.
D Gukesh Youngest Ever World Chess Champion
After his triumph, Gukesh, typically known for his focused and composed demeanour, couldn’t contain his joy. He raised his arms in celebration, flashing a wide grin contrasting with his usual poker face during his games. His expression clearly reflected the immense pressure and achievement he had just experienced in becoming the youngest World Chess Champion ever.
Before Gukesh’s monumental victory, the title of youngest World Chess Champion was held by Garry Kasparov, who won the crown at 22 in 1985 by defeating Anatoly Karpov. Gukesh’s achievement at 18 rewrites the record books, marking a new era for Indian and world chess.
Gukesh entered the World Championship as the youngest-ever challenger, earning the spot by winning the prestigious Candidates tournament earlier this year. This victory set the stage for a dramatic showdown with Liren, the reigning champion since 2023. Gukesh showed incredible composure and skill despite his youth, outplaying the seasoned titleholder in the decisive final game.
Gukesh’s victory marks a significant milestone for India in the chess world. He became the second Indian to win the World Chess Championship, following the legendary Viswanathan Anand, who held the title five times. Anand last won the championship in 2013 before losing to Magnus Carlsen. Anand’s remarkable career paved the way for future generations of Indian chess players, and Gukesh’s triumph further cements India’s status as a powerhouse in chess.
The 2024 World Chess Championship final was a tense and closely contested match. Gukesh had already won Games 3 and 11, while Ding Liren claimed victories in the opening and 12th games. The other games in the match were drawn, leading to the dramatic showdown in Game 14. The match had been evenly poised, with both players showing exceptional skill and determination. However, Gukesh’s strategic brilliance in the final game ultimately tilted the balance in his favour.
For Gukesh, the victory is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. A child prodigy, Gukesh had shown immense promise from a young age. He made his mark on the global chess scene when he became the youngest-ever player to achieve an Elo rating of 2700 in 2023, a feat that set him apart as one of the brightest young talents in the game. His victory at the Candidates tournament earlier this year proved that his talent was not just a flash in the pan but a consistent and growing force in the chess world.
Gukesh’s triumph is also a testament to the rise of Indian chess in recent years. While Anand paved the way for chess in India, Gukesh is part of a new generation of Indian players making global waves. He joins the ranks of rising stars like Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu and Arjun Erigaisi, carrying forward India’s legacy in chess.
Gukesh’s victory will inspire a new wave of young chess players, particularly in India, where the sport has seen a surge in popularity. As the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, Gukesh has achieved personal glory and paved the way for the next generation of chess champions. With his remarkable victory, Gukesh has proven that age is no barrier to success, and the future of chess is bright, especially for India.
This victory also brings excellent promise for Gukesh’s future in the chess world. The young champion is expected to dominate the chess circuit for years to come, with his technical prowess and deep understanding of the game making him a force to be reckoned with. With this title under his belt, D Gukesh is poised to take his place among the greatest chess players in history.