We have witnessed the rise of an extraordinary chess prodigy who has taken the world by storm. At just 18 years old, Gukesh Dommaraju from India became the youngest world chess champion, an achievement that has left the global chess community in awe.

His victory over defending champion Ding Liren of China at the FIDE World Chess Championship in Singapore in November 2024 marked a historic moment for the game.

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Born in Chennai, India, in May 2006, Gukesh's journey to the pinnacle of chess started at a very young age. By the time he was just 12 years and seven months old, he had already earned the title of Grandmaster, a remarkable feat in itself. However, Gukesh never dreamed of stopping there. Even at that age, he openly declared his ambition of becoming the world champion, a goal he had been nurturing since he was just seven years old.

We can imagine the excitement and nerves Gukesh must have felt during his world championship match. Facing the reigning champion, Ding Liren, Gukesh was both the challenger and the underdog, but he played with unmatched composure and skill. After a tense 14-game match that ended with a dramatic blunder by Ding Liren in the 55th move, Gukesh seized the opportunity to clinch the title.

Throughout the competition, Gukesh had several chances to win but struggled to close out games when he had the upper hand. However, his determination and composure in the final moments were what ultimately led him to victory. At the press conference after the match, Gukesh admitted that the win came as a surprise, as he did not expect to reach the pinnacle so quickly.

What makes Gukesh's victory even more remarkable is his consistent track record over the past few years. His career has been filled with impressive accomplishments, including leading India to gold at the 2024 FIDE Chess Olympiad in Budapest and winning individual gold in both Olympiads in the past two years. Gukesh also won the Candidates Tournament, earning the right to challenge Ding Liren for the title.

Gukesh's success is also a reflection of the robust chess ecosystem in India. India has produced over 85 Grandmasters, many of whom are still teenagers. The country has seen a surge in chess participation, with more than 30,000 rated players competing in official tournaments. Gukesh is supported by his mentor, Viswanathan Anand, a five-time world champion who has guided Gukesh throughout his career.

Behind Gukesh's success is a story of immense family support. His parents, both doctors, sacrificed their careers to support Gukesh's passion for chess. They helped fund his travels and coaching, often reaching out to friends and supporters to crowd-fund his journey before his career took off. His school, Velammal Vidyalaya, also played a pivotal role, allowing him to take time off to focus on his chess career.

Despite his success, Gukesh remains grounded and focused on his future goals. He aspires to dethrone Magnus Carlsen, the current world number one, and maintain a long career at the top of the chess world.

Gukesh's victory represents more than just a personal achievement; it is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and a strong support system. We are excited to see what the future holds for this chess prodigy as he continues to make history.