Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju has made history by becoming the youngest-ever world chess champion at the remarkable age of 18. This monumental achievement was realized following a gripping match against defending champion Ding Liren of China, which unfolded on a tense Thursday during the FIDE World Chess Championship held in Singapore. The Indian prodigy, who presently holds the world rank of fifth, has dethroned a champion and set a new precedent in the realm of chess.
The significance of this victory is immense, particularly considering that Gukesh’s age surpasses that of the previous youngest champion, Garry Kasparov, who was 22 when he lifted the title in 1985. Dommaraju, hailing from Chennai— a city renowned as India’s chess capital— has exhibited extraordinary talent from a young age, earning the title of chess grandmaster at just 12 years old.
Going into this important final match, the atmosphere was charged, especially as both Gukesh and Ding had won two games and drawn eight matches throughout the tournament. The format rewarded players with points for each victory and half points for draws. On this significant day, Gukesh claimed victory with a final score of 7.5 to 6.5, becoming only the 18th world chess champion.
Throughout the competition, Gukesh displayed remarkable composure and strategic prowess, capitalizing on a critical error made by Ding. The game was tense, with many predicting a draw as both competitors fought for control for several hours. However, on the 55th move, Ding inadvertently sacrificed a rook, leading to the immediate end of his chances. Gukesh, who had been ranked second in India prior to this match, seized the opportunity presented by Ding’s blunder.
Ding Liren, who recently became China’s first world chess champion after his victory in 2023, faced scrutiny regarding his form leading up to this championship. He had taken a significant break from chess earlier in the year and had spoken publicly about his mental health struggles. Despite showing brilliance in previous matches during the tournament, ultimately the mounting pressure got to Ding in this final encounter.
Dommaraju’s victory is not merely a personal milestone but a landmark achievement for Indian chess. Only the second Indian to earn the title of world chess champion after the five-time holder Viswanathan Anand, Gukesh’s triumph has generated waves of pride across the nation. He expressed his overwhelming emotions upon winning, stating that he did not expect to be in such a position to win.
Celebrations began instantly as the arena erupted in cheers following his victory. Gukesh’s heartfelt tears reflected the culmination of years of relentless practice and dedication. The sentiment was echoed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who congratulated the young champion via social media, applauding his remarkable talent, dedication, and hard work.
This impressive victory comes with substantial rewards, as the FIDE World Chess Championship has a total prize fund of $2.5 million (£1.96 million). The achievements of Gukesh Dommaraju serve to inspire countless young chess enthusiasts in India and around the globe, showcasing how passion, perseverance, and talent can indeed lead to unparalleled success in the steely world of competitive chess. As Gukesh embarks on this promising new chapter of his career, the world watches in anticipation for what the future holds for this brilliant young mind in the game of chess.
