Indian Prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju Becomes Youngest World Chess Champion

Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju has become the youngest undisputed world chess champion in history after defeating reigning titleholder Ding Liren of China in the final round of the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship held in Singapore. At 18, Gukesh surpassed the long-standing record held by Garry Kasparov, who was 22 when he won the world title in 1985.

The 14-game classical-format championship concluded with a score of 7.5–6.5 in Gukesh’s favour. The final game on Thursday, where Gukesh played with the black pieces, appeared to be heading for a draw until Ding blundered on the 55th move, allowing Gukesh Dommaraju to secure a critical pawn advantage. Ding resigned three moves later, handing the Indian teenager a historic victory.

Gukesh qualified for the World Championship by winning the FIDE Candidates Tournament in April. He is the second Indian to win the world title after five-time champion Viswanathan Anand. Gukesh also became the 18th world champion since the inception of the title in 1886.

The final match between Gukesh and Ding had been evenly matched, with both players recording two wins and eight draws in the first 13 games. Ding, who won the world title in 2023 by defeating Ian Nepomniachtchi, had struggled with form in recent months and had not won a classical-format game since January. Despite a strong performance in the opening game and a comeback win in game 12, Ding faltered under pressure in the decisive final game.

Gukesh Dommaraju, who hails from Chennai, India, became a grandmaster at the age of 12 years and 7 months, making him the third-youngest in history at the time. His rise through the ranks of Indian and international chess has been marked by consistent performances, including gold medals at the 2022 and 2024 Chess Olympiads and a series of strong tournament results that led to his Candidates win.

The championship carried a total prize fund of $2.5 million. Following the match, Gukesh acknowledged the significance of his victory while remaining measured about its implications, stating that becoming world champion “doesn’t mean that I’m the best player in the world,” citing world number one Magnus Carlsen, who stepped away from the championship cycle in 2022.

Gukesh’s parents, both medical professionals, have supported his chess career from its early stages. He is mentored by Viswanathan Anand through the Westbridge Anand Chess Academy and has received support from sponsors, the Indian chess federation, and his school, Velammal Vidyalaya in Chennai. His win adds to India’s growing stature in global chess, with over 85 grandmasters in the country and a strong presence in youth and team competitions.

What do you think of Gukesh Dommaraju’s historic win? Let us know on X @itsallsporttome!

For more updates on chess world champions, motorsports news, player profiles, interviews, and everything sports—visit us at itsallsporttome.co.uk.