Gukesh's remarkable journey illustrates dedication, talent, and the growth of chess in India.
Gukesh Dommaraju: The New Young Chess Sensation
Gukesh Dommaraju: The New Young Chess Sensation
Indian teen makes history as the youngest chess champion at 18
Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju has made headlines around the world by becoming the youngest chess champion in history at the tender age of 18. The young talent, hailing from Chennai, secured his title by defeating the reigning champion, China's Ding Liren, during a thrilling match held in Singapore. The FIDE World Chess Championship, in which Gukesh entered as the challenger, boasts a staggering prize fund of $2.5 million.
This moment is a culmination of Gukesh's extraordinary career thus far, marked by multiple landmark achievements. He became a grandmaster at just 12 years and seven months old and had vocalized his dreams of being world champion since he was just seven—when he first witnessed a match between Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen in 2013.
At a press conference post-victory, Gukesh expressed feelings of disbelief, stating, "I just didn't think it would happen so soon... I had chances to win, but nerves got the best of me until a sudden change changed the tide."
With this victory, Gukesh joins the elite club of world champions, ranking as the 18th since the inception of the title back in 1886. Notably, he surpasses the previous record set by Garry Kasparov, who was 22 when he claimed the title.
The 14-game match, which ended tied before a dramatic 14th game, emphasized Gukesh's resilience. After losing the first game and tying his score after three, he seized the victory when Ding blundered a crucial move.
In just three short years, Gukesh's ascent has included notable milestones, such as winning individual gold medals at the last two Olympiads and leading India to team victory. His mentor, the legendary Viswanathan Anand, initially deemed Gukesh inexperienced, but the young prodigy overcame early setbacks in his journey.
Gukesh's achievements are heavily backed by a supportive chess community in India, which boasts over 85 grandmasters. Additionally, Westbridge Capital sponsors Gukesh through the Westbridge Anand Chess Academy, facilitated by no less than Anand himself.
Coming from a well-educated family—his parents being doctors—Gukesh’s journey involved significant sacrifices. Both parents paused their careers to focus on supporting his passion for chess which blossomed when a coach at a summer camp recognized his talent.
Outside of chess, Gukesh enjoys swimming, tennis, and meditation. He aims not only to be the world’s best chess player but to have a long-lasting career at the top—viewing his recent triumph as just one crucial milestone on his formidable journey ahead.
This moment is a culmination of Gukesh's extraordinary career thus far, marked by multiple landmark achievements. He became a grandmaster at just 12 years and seven months old and had vocalized his dreams of being world champion since he was just seven—when he first witnessed a match between Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen in 2013.
At a press conference post-victory, Gukesh expressed feelings of disbelief, stating, "I just didn't think it would happen so soon... I had chances to win, but nerves got the best of me until a sudden change changed the tide."
With this victory, Gukesh joins the elite club of world champions, ranking as the 18th since the inception of the title back in 1886. Notably, he surpasses the previous record set by Garry Kasparov, who was 22 when he claimed the title.
The 14-game match, which ended tied before a dramatic 14th game, emphasized Gukesh's resilience. After losing the first game and tying his score after three, he seized the victory when Ding blundered a crucial move.
In just three short years, Gukesh's ascent has included notable milestones, such as winning individual gold medals at the last two Olympiads and leading India to team victory. His mentor, the legendary Viswanathan Anand, initially deemed Gukesh inexperienced, but the young prodigy overcame early setbacks in his journey.
Gukesh's achievements are heavily backed by a supportive chess community in India, which boasts over 85 grandmasters. Additionally, Westbridge Capital sponsors Gukesh through the Westbridge Anand Chess Academy, facilitated by no less than Anand himself.
Coming from a well-educated family—his parents being doctors—Gukesh’s journey involved significant sacrifices. Both parents paused their careers to focus on supporting his passion for chess which blossomed when a coach at a summer camp recognized his talent.
Outside of chess, Gukesh enjoys swimming, tennis, and meditation. He aims not only to be the world’s best chess player but to have a long-lasting career at the top—viewing his recent triumph as just one crucial milestone on his formidable journey ahead.
