We are the Winners!: Gukesh Dommaraju Becomes Youngest-Ever World Chess Champion
We are the Winners!: Gukesh Dommaraju Becomes Youngest-Ever World Chess Champion
At just 18, Gukesh dethroned Garry Kasparov’s record, securing the World Chess Championship title with a victory over Ding Liren in a dramatic finale.
The emotional moment that 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju became the 18th world chess champion 🥲🏆 pic.twitter.com/jRIZrYeyCF
— Chess.com (@chesscom) December 12, 2024
History was made on Thursday as India’s Gukesh Dommaraju became the youngest-ever World Chess Champion at the age of 18. In an intense final showdown at the 2024 World Chess Championship, Gukesh defeated China’s Ding Liren in the 14th game, seizing the title with a score of 7.5-6.5.
The championship match, spanning three grueling weeks, saw both players tied at 6.5 points going into the decisive game. Playing with the black pieces, Gukesh displayed strategic brilliance and composure, ultimately capitalizing on a late blunder by Ding to secure the victory. This achievement also marks him as the first Indian World Chess Champion since Viswanathan Anand, who held the title until 2012.
Gukesh’s journey to the top has been nothing short of spectacular. Earlier in the year, he won the prestigious Candidates Tournament and led India to a gold medal in the Chess Olympiad. His triumph in the World Championship also makes him the first teenager to hold the title, surpassing the legendary Garry Kasparov, who won it at 22.
This victory is a dream come true for Gukesh, who, at the age of 11, declared his ambition to become the youngest world chess champion during an interview. His unwavering dedication and hard work have now etched his name in chess history.
In addition to the historic win, Gukesh earned a substantial prize. Out of the $2.5 million prize pool, he pocketed $1.35 million (approximately ₹11.45 crore), including $600,000 from his three game wins. Ding Liren, the runner-up, earned $1.15 million (approximately ₹9.75 crore).
Gukesh’s achievement is a testament to his exceptional talent and resilience, further cementing India’s growing dominance in the global chess arena. With this victory, he joins the pantheon of chess greats, following in the footsteps of five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand.
His triumph has not only brought immense pride to India but has also inspired a new generation of chess enthusiasts around the world.
