Teen Indian GM Gukesh becomes youngest world chess champion

Singapore: Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh on Thursday became the youngest world chess champion at 18 years after beating title-holder Ding Liren of China in the 14th and last game of a roller-coaster showdown that went right down to the wire.

Taking forward the incredible legacy of the great Viswanathan Anand, Gukesh became only the second Indian to clinch the coveted prize after the iconic player, who owned the crown five times in his career.

Gukesh secured the requisite 7.5 points as against 6.5 of Liren after winning the last classical time control game of the 14-game match that seemed headed for a draw for most part. As title winner, he will get a major share of the USD 2.5 million prize purse.

The emotional moment that 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju became the 18th world chess champion 🥲🏆 pic.twitter.com/jRIZrYeyCF

— Chess.com (@chesscom) December 12, 2024

I am just living my dream

"I am just living my dream," said newly-crowned world chess champion D Gukesh, his unassuming persona shining through even after a history-scripting performance that made him the youngest ever to achieve the triumph.

Gukesh dethroned China's Ding Liren on his way to the historic triumph, sealing it in the 14th and last game of a see-saw battle. "I was dreaming this moment for last 10 years. Happy I realised this dream," Gukesh said after his incredible victory.

"I got a bit emotional because I was not expecting to win. But then I got a chance to press on," he added. "I've been dreaming about this and living this moment since I was 6 or 7. Every chess player wants to live this moment. I'm living my dream. I'd like to thank God from candidates till the championship."

He also praised his opponent Liren.

"To me Ðing is a real world champion. He fought like a true champion and I'm sorry for Ding and team. I would like to thank my opponent," Gukesh said.

Regarding his parents' contributions, Gukesh said, "The dream of winning world chess championship is bigger for them than for me." Liren, on his part, said, "It took while to realise that I blundered. I think I played my best tournament in the year. "I could be better, but it's a fair result to lose in the end. I have no regrets."

Youngest ever challenger

The reticent teenager grinned widely and raised his arms in celebration after the triumph, a stark contrast from the poker face he usually sports while playing.

Before Gukesh's feat on Thursday, the legendary Garry Kasparov of Russia was the youngest world champion when he won the title at the age of 22, dethroning Anatoly Karpov in 1985.

Gukesh had entered the match as the youngest ever challenger to the world crown after winning the Candidates tournament earlier this year.

He is the second Indian after the legendary Viswanathan Anand to win the global title. Anand, a five-time world champion, had last held the title in 2013 before going down to Magnus Carlsen.

"Every chess player wants to live this dream. I am living my dream," said Gukesh.

Gukesh, who won the 14th game against Liren after 58 moves in four hours, is the 18th world chess champion overall.

If Thursday's game was also drawn, winner was to be decided in shorter duration tie-breaks on Friday. Gukesh had won the third and 11th rounds before Thursday's decisive game, while the 32-year-old Liren emerged victorious in the opening and 12th games.

All other games were drawn in the match.

PM Modi hails Gukesh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday congratulated D Gukesh on becoming the youngest world chess champion and said 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.

In a post on X, Modi said, "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 of young minds to dream big and pursue excellence. My best wishes for his future endeavours," the prime minister said.

Learnt to play chess at 7:

Gukesh born in Chennai into a Telugu family hailing from Andhra Pradesh, learned to play chess at the age of seven. His father, Dr. Rajinikanth, is an ENT surgeon, and his mother, Dr. Padma, is a microbiologist.

He studied at the Velammal Vidyalaya school, Mel Ayanambakkam, Chennai. Gukesh began practicing and playing chess in 2013 for one hour, three days a week. He would then participate and play tournaments on weekends after his good performance was acknowledged by his chess teachers.

On 15 January 2019, at the age of 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days, Gukesh became the then second-youngest grandmaster in history, only surpassed by Sergey Karjakin by 17 days. The record has since been beaten by Abhimanyu Mishra, making Gukesh the third-youngest.

Gukesh entered the FIDE world top-five for the first time on 1 October 2024.