On a remarkable Thursday in Singapore, 18-year-old chess prodigy D Gukesh etched his name into the annals of history. With a breath-taking performance in the 14th and final game of the FIDE World Chess Championship, Gukesh defeated reigning champion Ding Liren to become the youngest world champion in chess history. This extraordinary feat shattered the previous record held by the legendary Garry Kasparov, who claimed the title at 22 by defeating Anatoly Karpov in 1985.
Hailing from Chennai, India, Gukesh also became only the second Indian to achieve this coveted milestone, following in the footsteps of his mentor and inspiration, Viswanathan Anand, a five-time world champion. For chess enthusiasts worldwide, December 12, 2024, marked a day of celebration and a testament to the spirit of youthful determination.
The Road to Victory: A Game for the Ages
The final Classical game of the championship began with Ding Liren, playing with whites, opting for a Reti Opening (Nf3). Early on, the match appeared destined for a draw, as the players exchanged knights and bishops by the 14th move, further simplifying the board by trading queens at move 30. Throughout, Ding signaled his intent to push the contest to tie-breaks—a format where he held a clear advantage in the faster Rapid and Blitz formats.
But Gukesh had other plans. With unyielding resolve and a significant time advantage, he dragged the game into deep waters. As the clock ticked down, Ding made a crucial error on his 55th move, misplacing his rook on f2. Gukesh seized the moment, capturing the rook and gaining a decisive advantage. Just three moves later, Ding conceded defeat, his body language revealing the toll of the high-stakes encounter.
By clinching Game 14, Gukesh secured the championship with a final score of 7.5 to Ding’s 6.5, cementing his place as a chess legend.
A Young Dream Fulfilled
For Gukesh, this triumph was the realization of a dream he had nurtured since childhood. At just 11 years old, he had confidently expressed his ambition to become the youngest world chess champion. That vision guided him through years of rigorous training and countless matches.
In August 2023, Gukesh surpassed Anand to become the top-ranked Indian player on the FIDE World ratings, a pivotal moment in his journey. His meteoric rise continued with a victory in the Candidates Tournament in Toronto, where he became the youngest champion in the tournament’s history. The global chess community took notice of his outstanding performances, especially during the Chess Olympiad in Budapest, where he led India to a historic golden double.
A Champion’s Rewards: Fame and Fortune
Gukesh’s triumph brought not only glory but also substantial financial rewards. The 2024 World Chess Championship had a prize pool of $2.5 million. For his three victories in Games 3, 11, and 14, Gukesh earned $600,000, and his share of the remaining prize money brought his total earnings to $1.35 million (approximately ₹11.34 crore). Ding, with two wins, earned $1.15 million (approximately ₹9.66 crore).
Global and National Acclaim
The world’s eyes turned to Gukesh as he stood on the podium to receive his championship title on December 13, 2024. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the congratulations, lauding Gukesh’s achievement as a proud moment for India. Social media erupted with admiration and pride, with fans and chess experts hailing Gukesh as a worthy successor to Anand.
For Gukesh, the championship was not only a personal milestone but also a source of inspiration for millions of young Indians. His success underscored the value of discipline, strategy, and perseverance in achieving greatness.
The Legacy of a Genius
D Gukesh’s victory represents a new era in the world of chess. At just 18, he has achieved what many can only dream of, breaking records and redefining possibilities. As he continues his career, the chess community eagerly anticipates his future battles, innovations, and contributions to the sport.
In the end, Gukesh’s journey from a talented young player to the youngest world champion is more than a story of individual triumph—it is a testament to the boundless potential of human ambition. His legacy will inspire generations to come, proving that with hard work and unwavering belief, even the loftiest dreams can become reality.
(With inputs from agencies)
