In a landmark moment for Indian chess, D Gukesh has made waves by becoming the youngest world chess champion at just 18 years old. The young Grandmaster from Chennai achieved this remarkable feat in December 2024 when he triumphed over China’s Ding Liren at the FIDE World Championship held in Singapore. This victory not only marked a significant milestone in Gukesh's career but also secured India its second world chess title, following the legacy of Viswanathan Anand.
Gukesh's ascent to the pinnacle of chess has been meteoric. Following his historic win, he continued to impress by finishing as the runner-up in a major tournament, which catapulted him to No. 3 in the FIDE world rankings. As of April 2025, Gukesh maintains that position with a FIDE rating of 2787, showcasing his consistent performance amidst fierce competition.
However, his rise has not been without scrutiny. Five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen, who remains the top-ranked player with a rating of 2837, raised concerns regarding the quality of play during the championship final. Carlsen's comments highlight the ongoing debate within the chess community about the standards of play at the highest levels, especially when new talents emerge.
Despite the criticism, Gukesh has taken a mature approach to handling negativity. In a recent interview with The Times of India, he expressed his perspective on the matter, stating, "In my personal view, when you reach the World Championship game, you are bound to face criticism, and people are free to say whatever they want. I will continue to do my job. Also, I’m not on social media, so a lot of negative things don’t reach me easily. But I do come across some negative comments, and they only motivate me." This attitude reflects his focus on personal growth and resilience, traits that have defined his journey in professional chess.
Gukesh's victory at the World Championship was the crowning achievement of an exceptional year for Indian chess. Earlier in 2024, he became the youngest winner in the history of the Candidates Tournament, a pivotal event that determines the challenger for the world title. His contributions to India’s gold medal victory in the ‘Open’ section of the Chess Olympiad in September 2024 further cemented his legacy in the sport.
As the chess world watches closely, Gukesh remains focused on his next challenges, using both his successes and the criticism he faces as fuel to enhance his game. His journey is not only a personal triumph but also a beacon of hope for aspiring chess players in India and beyond.
Looking at the broader chess landscape, the rankings as of April 2025 reveal an exciting shift. Alongside Gukesh, Hikaru Nakamura, known for his blitz and rapid skills, holds the second spot with a rating of 2804. The emergence of young talents like Erigaisi Arjun and Praggnanandhaa R, who are also climbing the ranks, signifies a bright future for chess.
In fact, Erigaisi Arjun is currently ranked fifth with a rating of 2777, showcasing the depth of talent in Indian chess. Meanwhile, the legendary Viswanathan Anand, who paved the way for many, continues to be a significant figure in the chess community with a rating of 2743.
The chess world is not just about rankings; it is also a realm of fascinating records. The shortest officially recorded chess game took place in 1924 between Lazard and Gibaud, concluding in just four moves. In contrast, the longest game was played between Ivan Nikolić and Goran Arsović in 1989, lasting an astonishing 269 moves and over 20 hours, ultimately ending in a draw.
As the chess community continues to evolve, the excitement around tournaments and individual performances remains palpable. Gukesh's journey is a testament to the hard work and dedication that defines the sport. The chess world is keenly observing how this young champion will shape the future of chess, as he navigates both the accolades and challenges that come with being at the top.
With the next major tournaments on the horizon, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Gukesh can build on his current success and further establish himself among the elite. The chessboard is set, and the pieces are in motion as Gukesh D prepares for the next phase of his remarkable career.
