18-Year-Old Dommaraju Is The Youngest World Chess Champion In History
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When Gukesh Dommaraju realized he had a clear path to victory in the World Chess Championship, he could barely contain his excitement. The 18-year-old got the unexpected opportunity, after the reigning champion, China's Ding Liren, made a critical mistake in the final game of their best-of-14 match.
With this win, Gukesh became the youngest World Chess Champion in history. The title was previously held by Garry Kasparov. He was 22 when he beat Anatoly Karpov in 2015. Gukesh was also the youngest-ever challenger at the World Chess Championship, held in Singapore from November 23 to December 14, 2024. Along with the prestigious title, Gukesh received a trophy and a cash prize of $1.35 million.
“I’ve been dreaming about this moment for more than 10 years. Every chess player wants to experience this moment, and very few get the chance," Gukesh said.
Gukesh was born in Chennai, India, on May 29, 2006. His father is a surgeon and his mother, a microbiologist. He began learning chess at the age of seven. Within two years, Gukesh won the Under-9 category at the Asian School Chess Championships. Three years later, in 2018, the young boy claimed victory in the World Youth Chess Championships (Under-12). That same year, he also earned five gold medals at the Asian Youth Chess Championships. On January 15, 2019, at just 12 years and 7 months old, Gukesh solidified his reputation as a chess prodigy by becoming the third-youngest grandmaster in history. This is the second-highest title a chess player can achieve after World Champion.
Not surprisingly, Gukesh is a celebrity in India. Hundreds of fans greeted the teenager with cheers and congratulatory banners when he returned to Chennai on December 16, 2024. Even India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, praised the young champion on social media.
"This is the result of his unparalleled talent, hard work, and unwavering determination," said Mr. Modi. "His triumph has not only etched his name in the annals of chess history but has also inspired millions of young minds to dream big and pursue excellence."
The World Championship title is just the beginning for Gukesh. His goal is to become the best chess player in the world — and to have a "very long career at the top."
Resources: theguardian.com, CNN.com, Chess.com
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26 Comments
852128sophie3 monthsThat's wonderful! I really bad at chess, but it's still fun to play!
planeman43253 monthsso cool!
tennisgirl12343 monthsI am so proud of our country and its achievements ☺️🇮🇳
ahaana123454672 monthsOmg I am also from 🇮🇳☺️
legardelai3 monthsthat's really cool
fcb3763 monthsI like chess but I'm so bad at it. I have an "easy checkmate technique" with only the horse and bishop. Anyways, congrats Gukesh!
iseman3 monthsSo cool. Congrats
ahivewingj3 monthschess is best:)- ahaana123454673 monthsIt is amazing like one move and he won!!!!
- ahaana123454673 monthsI also play chess with my dad
celticsgod03 monthsI also am a experienced chess player
