India gets its Chess Crown back home thanks to the efforts of 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju. By defeating defending champion Dig Liren, Gukesh became the youngest-ever World Chess Champion in a nail-biting final in Singapore. The 14th and decisive game of the World Chess Championship seemed to be heading towards a tie-breaker. The situation favored Ding’s experience in rapid formats.
However, a critical 55th-move blunder from Ding turned the tide, allowing Gukesh Dommaraju to seal his victory with a 7.5-6.5 scoreline.
"When Magnus won, I thought I really want to be the one to bring back the title to India" – 🇮🇳 Gukesh D#DingGukesh pic.twitter.com/8ZddwM5D0G
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) December 12, 2024
With this triumph, Gukesh achieved what no other teenager has in chess history. He broke Garry Kasparov’s record of 22 years as the youngest world champion. Hence, the chess championship crown comes back to India after 11 long years, rekindling memories of the golden era of Viswanathan Anand.
From Pawn to King: Gukesh Dommaraju and His Rise to the Top
🇮🇳 Gukesh D is the YOUNGEST WORLD CHAMPION in history! 🔥 👏 pic.twitter.com/MYShXB5M62
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) December 12, 2024
Gukesh Dommaraju’s ascent to the chess summit is nothing short of extraordinary. Born in Chennai, the city that also produced Viswanathan Anand. Gukesh’s journey began at a young age. His passion for chess was sparked at six years old, and by the age of eight, he was already dreaming of world championship glory.
Gukesh became the second-youngest Grandmaster in history at just 12 years and 7 months.
Gukesh when he was 11:
I want to become the youngest World Chess Champion.7 years later:
Gukesh becomes the youngest World Chess Champion.INSANE LEVEL OF MANIFESTATION 🔥 pic.twitter.com/CbYQQmW9h1
— Johns (@JohnyBravo183) December 12, 2024
From there, he showcased exceptional talent and an unparalleled work ethic, dedicating thousands of hours to studying openings, endgames, and tactics. After the victory, Gukesh admitted to his dream of bringing the title back to Bharat. “There’s nothing better than this,” says the young grandmaster. His journey was not without challenges, but his perseverance, discipline, and ability to learn from failures set him apart.
Gukesh is the World Chess Champion 🥹♥️#chess #gukesh #chessbaseindia pic.twitter.com/2LvXuk9K9P
— ChessBase India (@ChessbaseIndia) December 12, 2024
Gukesh Dommaraju credited his support system – his family, coaches, and mentors. His father, an orthopedic surgeon, has been his unwavering pillar of support. The deep ties are evidenced by the emotional hug they shared after the final game.
Blunder, Pressure, and a Final Checkmate
Congratulate Gukesh D for a historic win to become the youngest-ever World Chess Champion.
A great example of perseverance, commitment and confidence. pic.twitter.com/zgvUxmJjWO
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 12, 2024
The final game of the championship was a perfect showcase of Gukesh’s composure under pressure. Ding Liren, playing with the white pieces, entered the game with confidence, hoping to extend the match into rapid tie-breakers. The early moves suggested a balanced position, with neither player taking significant risks.
However, Gukesh Dommaraju made a bold move. Thereby, ensuring that Ding Liren became more cautious in his game. As the play entered the endgame phase, both players had equal material, but Gukesh had a slight positional advantage.
It was at this critical juncture that Ding, under time pressure, made a devastating mistake.
Win with grace, lose with dignity!
One won with grace, the other lost with dignity! Class all the way by these two champions!
Gukesh has the potential to be the best Chess Ambassador ever! Professional, mature, humble, classy, charismatic, well spoken, and well mannered!… pic.twitter.com/AoHzSsIeEF
— Susan Polgar (@SusanPolgar) December 12, 2024
Gukesh instantly recognized the blunder and capitalized. His precise moves trapped Ding’s bishop and created a winning advantage. Just three moves later, Ding resigned, handing Gukesh the world championship crown. In defeat, Ding was gracious as he acknowledged his blunder that changed the game. “His face told me I had just made a mistake,” Ding said, adding, “I have no regrets. It’s a fair result.”
Gukesh Dommaraju – A New Era for Chess
His greatness lies not in just winning the title. His true greatness lies in what he did after winning the title. #GukeshDing #Gukesh @DGukesh pic.twitter.com/nWhFM5meQJ
— Shefali Vaidya. 🇮🇳 (@ShefVaidya) December 13, 2024
Despite his monumental achievement, Gukesh Dommaraju remains humble and grounded. After his victory, he rearranged the chess pieces on the board and bowed with folded hands to the chess set. Thereafter, he applauded Ding Liren as he left the arena. These small gestures reflected the young champion’s respect for the game and his opponent.
Gukesh’s victory is more than a personal milestone; it’s a defining moment for Indian chess.
The title of World Chess Champion returns to Bharat after 11 years. The birthplace of chess gets its King of the Game! The victory has reignited national pride and inspired a new generation of players. The chess world now looks to Gukesh Dommaraju with excitement. At 18, he has already achieved what many can only dream of, but his journey is just beginning. Here, his humble approach to the game shows up once more as he acknowledges that reigning over the chessboard will require constant improvement and hard work.
The Champion We Needed
Historic and exemplary!
Congratulations to Gukesh D on his remarkable accomplishment. This is the result of his unparalleled talent, hard work and unwavering determination.
His triumph has not only etched his name in the annals of chess history but has also inspired millions… https://t.co/fOqqPZLQlr pic.twitter.com/Xa1kPaiHdg
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 12, 2024
Gukesh Dommarju and his chess triumph is a story of dreams, dedication, and destiny. From a young boy peering into the glass box of a championship match in 2013 to becoming the youngest-ever world champion, Gukesh has come full circle. His victory is a testament to his talent, hard work, and indomitable spirit.
As Bharat celebrates this historic win, the chessboard’s newest king prepares for the next chapter. The world will be watching as Gukesh continues his reign, rewriting the rules of the game one move at a time.