India’s Gukesh Dommaraju Scripts History as Youngest-Ever FIDE World Chess Champion

In a monumental moment for Indian chess, 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju etched his name in the history books by becoming the youngest World Chess Champion ever. Gukesh defeated defending champion Ding Liren of China in a nail-biting 14th and final game to clinch the coveted title. With the match tied at 6.5 points each, the decider seemed poised for a draw until a critical blunder by Ding handed Gukesh the victory.

This historic win makes Gukesh not only the youngest-ever World Chess Champion but also the first teenager to achieve this milestone. His triumph marks a significant moment for Indian chess, as he becomes the first Indian to hold the title since Viswanathan Anand’s reign ended in 2012.

A Remarkable Journey

Gukesh’s ascent to the pinnacle of chess has been nothing short of extraordinary. Earlier this year, he showcased his dominance by winning the 2024 Candidates Tournament, which secured his place in the World Championship. He further solidified his standing as a prodigy by leading India to gold at the Chess Olympiad, delivering standout performances throughout the tournament.

The World Chess Championship match against Ding Liren was a true test of skill, resilience, and strategy. The final game saw both players battling it out in a tense positional encounter. Gukesh displayed remarkable composure under pressure, capitalizing on Ding’s late-game oversight to claim the crown.

The Youngest Ever

At just 18 years old, Gukesh has shattered the record for the youngest World Chess Champion, previously held by Russia’s Garry Kasparov, who won the title at 22. Gukesh’s achievement underscores his exceptional talent and heralds the arrival of a new era in global chess.

A Bright Future

With his historic achievement, Gukesh has positioned himself as a global icon in chess. His victory is expected to inspire a new generation of players in India and around the world. As the chess world celebrates the rise of this young champion, Gukesh’s journey serves as a testament to hard work, dedication, and an indomitable spirit.

India now looks forward to Gukesh’s reign as World Champion, with hopes of more milestones and inspiring performances in the years to come.