Indian chess prodigy Dommaraju Gukesh has made history by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion at 18, surpassing Garry Kasparov’s record set in 1985. Gukesh clinched the title by defeating reigning champion Ding Liren of China with a final score of 7.5 to 6.5 in a 14-game series held in Singapore.
Born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, India, Gukesh began playing chess at the age of seven. His early achievements include winning the Under-9 section of the Asian School Chess Championships in 2015 and the Under-12 title at the World Youth Chess Championships in 2018.
In 2019, he became the second-youngest grandmaster in history at 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days. Gukesh’s journey to the world title was marked by significant milestones, including winning the FIDE Candidates Tournament in April 2024, which earned him the right to challenge Ding Liren.
The championship match in Singapore was a closely contested battle, with Gukesh securing victory in the final game. This victory makes Gukesh the second Indian to hold the World Chess Champion title, following his mentor Viswanathan Anand.
His achievement has been celebrated across India, with congratulations from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the chess community worldwide. Gukesh’s triumph not only marks a personal milestone but also signifies a new era in chess, inspiring a generation of young players globally.
