In brief
The Chennai-born chess sensation defeated defending champion Ding Liren, marking a historic moment in chess history.
Gukesh Dommaraju, an 18-year-old chess prodigy from Chennai, has stunned the chess world by becoming the youngest FIDE World Chess Champion. In an electrifying match held in Singapore, he clinched victory against defending champion Ding Liren of China, overcoming nerves and showcasing admirable skill. Gukesh's triumph comes with a hefty prize fund of $2.5m (£1.96m) and marks the pinnacle of a series of impressive achievements throughout his budding career.Since entering the chess scene, Gukesh has been a prominent figure, becoming a grandmaster at the tender age of 12. His aspirations for the world championship date back to when he was just seven, inspired by watching Viswanathan Anand face Magnus Carlsen in 2013. As he reflected on his title win, Gukesh admitted he didn't expect to achieve his goal so soon, revealing the challenges he faced during the decisive match.In the closely contested final, the last game began at a stalemate, with both players having won two games each in the prior rounds. A crucial mistake from Ding on move 55 allowed Gukesh to seize the opportunity, paving the way for an unforgettable end to the match. Over the past few years, Gukesh has accumulated various accolades, including individual gold in the last two FIDE Chess Olympiads and leading India to victory in team competitions. Initially deemed inexperienced by his mentor Anand, Gukesh’s journey was marked by resilience after overcoming critical setbacks that led to this celebrated victory.His extraordinary talent is supported by a robust chess ecosystem in India, with over 85 grandmasters nurturing a growing pool of players. Gukesh’s family has played a crucial role, having devoted their time and resources to support his chess career. His academic institution has also provided valuable assistance, enabling him to pursue his passion.Beyond chess, Gukesh maintains a well-rounded lifestyle, engaging in activities like swimming and tennis. His ambitions extend far beyond this recent victory; he aims to become the best player globally and maintain a long-standing career in the game. Gukesh Dommaraju’s win is only the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable journey in the world of chess.
