In an impressive exhibition of talent and poise, 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju from India has entered the record books as the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion. Gukesh achieved victory in the 2024 FIDE World Championship, taking place in Singapore, where he surpassed the reigning champion Ding Liren from China in an exciting final match that many anticipated would conclude in a draw.
The game concluded with Gukesh victorious at 7.5-6.5, cementing his spot in the history books. Gukesh’s win signifies a new chapter for Indian chess, making him just the second Indian to achieve the prestigious title after the iconic Viswanathan Anand. His victory is even more impressive considering his age, being four years younger than the former record-holder, Garry Kasparov, who achieved World Champion status in 1985 at 22 years old.
The last match was nothing less than thrilling. Despite being in a tough spot, Gukesh, with the black pieces, persisted and took advantage of a critical mistake by Ding, who had been facing pressure the entire game. Gukesh’s approach of being aggressive in each match proved successful, granting him the title in what commentators called a “relentless” endgame. This triumph follows Gukesh’s qualification through his victory at the FIDE Candidates Tournament in April, and it reinforces his status as one of the most promising young talents in the chess community.
Gukesh conveyed his respect for Magnus Carlsen, the current World No. 1, while recognizing the importance of the occasion, mentioning that achieving the title inspired him to pursue further development in his career. With a prize fund of $2.5 million, the 2024 championship showcased Gukesh’s potential to dominate the future of chess, and his victory is sure to inspire the next generation of chess enthusiasts worldwide.
