In chess, a new name has etched itself into the annals of history, not just for the extraordinary achievement but for doing so at an age that defies the conventional timeline of greatness. D Gukesh, born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, India, has become the youngest undisputed classical chess world champion at 18. Let’s delve into the journey of this prodigious talent from his early days to this monumental achievement.
D Gukesh: Early Life and Introduction to Chess
Gukesh hails from a family with a strong academic background; his father, Dr. Rajinikanth, is an ENT surgeon, and his mother, Dr. Padma, is a microbiologist. Chess wasn’t an immediate passion for Gukesh. He was introduced to the game at the age of seven by his school, Velammal Vidyalaya in Chennai, known for nurturing chess talents. Within six months of learning, his potential was recognized by his first coach, Mr. Bhaskar, who helped him earn his first FIDE rating. This was a precursor to what would become a meteoric rise in the chess world.
International Chess Federation in its post on social media platform X, formerly Twitter congratulated the new champion, D Gukesh.
🇮🇳 GUKESH D WINS THE 2024 FIDE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP! 👏 🔥#DingGukesh pic.twitter.com/aFNt2RO3UK
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) December 12, 2024
Gukesh’s journey from a curious schoolboy to a grandmaster is nothing short of cinematic. By 2015, he had already clinched the Under-9 title at the Asian School Chess Championships, and by 2018, he was the Under-12 World Youth Champion. His talent was undeniable, winning five gold medals at the Asian Youth Chess Championships that year across various formats. His rapid rise continued when, at just 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days, he became the second-youngest Grandmaster in history, narrowly missing the record held by Sergey Karjakin by 17 days.
Gukesh’s career trajectory has been marked by numerous milestones. He became the third-youngest player to reach a chess rating of 2700 and the youngest to hit 2750. His performance at the 2022 Chess Olympiad was remarkable, securing individual gold on the first board and contributing to India’s bronze medal win. His chess prowess wasn’t just about theoretical knowledge; he demonstrated maturity, strategy, and resilience in high-pressure environments.
One of the standout moments in his career was defeating Magnus Carlsen at the Aimchess Rapid tournament in October 2022, a victory that underscored his ability to tackle the best in the world. This win was a significant psychological boost, proving his mettle against the former world champion.
In 2023, D Gukesh surpassed Viswanathan Anand as India’s top-ranked player, ending Anand’s 37-year reign at the top. This was not just a personal triumph but a symbolic passing of the torch, heralding a new era for Indian chess.
The real turning point came in 2024 when Gukesh won the Candidates Tournament, becoming the youngest ever to do so. This achievement qualified him to challenge the reigning World Champion, Ding Liren, for the title. The chess world watched with bated breath as the match unfolded in Singapore.
The legendary former Indian Chess player Vishwanathan Anand congratulated D Gukesh on X and said,
“Congratulations! It’s a proud moment for chess, a proud moment for India, a proud moment for WACA, and for me, a very personal moment of pride. Ding played a very exciting match and showed the champion he is”
Congratulations! It's a proud moment for chess, a proud moment for India, a proud moment for WACA, and for me, a very personal moment of pride. Ding played a very exciting match and showed the champion he is.@FIDE_chess @WacaChess pic.twitter.com/o3hq26JFPf
— Viswanathan Anand (@vishy64theking) December 12, 2024
Gukesh’s match against Ding Liren was a rollercoaster. Starting with a defeat in the first game, he showed resilience by drawing the second and winning the third, setting the stage for a back-and-forth battle. The match was closely contested, with Ding managing to keep pace until the final game. On December 12, 2024, Gukesh capitalized on a crucial blunder by Ding to win the championship with a final score of 7.5 to 6.5. This victory not only made him the 18th world champion but also broke Garry Kasparov’s record as the youngest champion, a record that had stood since 1985.
D Gukesh’s achievement is monumental for Indian chess, coming after Viswanathan Anand, who had been India’s sole world champion until now. His win is a testament to India’s growing dominance in chess and a beacon for aspiring players. His journey from a schoolboy in Chennai to the world champion stage speaks volumes about his dedication, hard work, and the support from his family and mentors like Anand, who has been a pivotal figure in his career.
Gukesh’s story is not just about chess; it’s about the potential of young minds when nurtured properly. His life and career will undoubtedly inspire a new generation to take up the game, not just in India but globally, showing that with passion, perseverance, and the right guidance, the sky is the limit.
As we celebrate this young champion, we also look forward to the many games and challenges he will face, confident that his journey has just begun to unfold its many layers of brilliance.
