Teen Prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju Claims Chess Crown as Youngest World Champion

Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju, at just 18, has achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the youngest world chess champion, overcoming seasoned champion Ding Liren in a thrilling match, marking a significant milestone in his extraordinary career.

In a stunning display of talent, 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju from India has etched his name in the annals of chess history by becoming the youngest world chess champion. His remarkable victory came during a gripping match against reigning champion Ding Liren, held in Singapore, where Gukesh entered the competition as the challenger.

Born in Chennai, Gukesh's journey in the world of chess has been nothing short of extraordinary. At just 12 years and seven months old, he achieved grandmaster status, and since then, he has harbored dreams of wearing the crown. Inspired by a World Title match he witnessed between legends Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen at the tender age of seven, Gukesh had always envisioned this moment.

Gukesh became the 18th world champion since the inaugural title match in 1886, breaking the previous record held by Garry Kasparov, who was 22 when he captured the title in 1985. The final match was tense, with the scores tied at two wins each after 13 games. However, on the crucial 14th game, Ding made a crucial blunder that Gukesh capitalized on, securing his championship victory.

Over the years, Gukesh has collected numerous accolades, including individual gold medals at the FIDE Chess Olympiad and leading India to significant team victories in recent competitions. Despite facing initial skepticism about his potential, Gukesh's unwavering determination and resilience have propelled him to the zenith of chess excellence.

While Gukesh's talent is undeniable, his success reflects the robust chess culture in India, bolstered by strong support from his family, chess institutions, and a community of over 85 grandmasters in the country. Gukesh's parents, both medical professionals, committed themselves to nurturing his talent, even crowd-funding to finance his chess endeavors.

As he embarks on a professional chess career that began at age ten, Gukesh is deeply supported by his mentor, five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand. His matches are actively streamed to schools across India, inspiring countless young players.

Beyond chess, Gukesh seeks a balanced lifestyle, indulging in activities like meditation, swimming, and tennis. With aspirations to dethrone current world number one Magnus Carlsen and maintain a long, prosperous career, Gukesh views his recent title as only one significant achievement in an ongoing journey in chess mastery.