Chennai has been abuzz with excitement ever since D. Gukesh became the youngest World Chess Champion, making history by defeating Ding Liren with a score of 7.5-6.5 at the 2024 FIDE World Championship held in Singapore last week. The momentous match concluded with Gukesh’s impressive 58-move victory on December 12, sealing his fate as the youngest champion at the age of just 18. His victory marks not only his ascent to the pinnacle of chess, but also propels India’s status within the international chess community, showcasing the nation’s growing pool of talent.
Having been crowned the youngest world champion, Gukesh's win has monumental financial benefits as well. He earned $600,000 from his three victories during the championship, contributing to his total prize money of approximately $1.35 million (around INR 11.45 crore). Yet, the joy of this spectacular financial reward is dampened by significant tax liabilities. Under Indian tax laws, Gukesh faces deductions ranging between 39% to 42% of his earnings, translating to approximately INR 4.67 crore, sparking discussions over the fairness of such high taxation on young talent.
Central to Gukesh’s success were several key figures who played instrumental roles behind the scenes. Paddy Upton, who has made his name as one of the most respected mental coaches, stepped up to prepare Gukesh mentally for the championship. He saw Gukesh not just as another chess player but as someone with remarkable self-awareness and mental acuity. Upton recalled, “I found someone who had a remarkable ability of self-reflection… the work I was able to do with Gukesh was at such a deep level because of his ability to self-reflect and have self-awareness.”
Sandeep Singhal, co-founder of WestBridge Capital, provided financial backing to Gukesh and established the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy as part of his support system. Singhal ensured Gukesh had access to top-notch coaching and training, stating, “For me, it was – let us do whatever it takes.” This commitment allowed Gukesh to assemble his ideal team, including his coach Grzegorz Gajewski and mental coach Upton, resulting in well-planned and secret training camps leading up to the championship.
With the support he received, Gukesh represented not merely individual talent but the rising chess culture within India, where his achievements have inspired younger generations to take up the sport. His parents, Dr. Rajinikanth and Dr. Padma, recognized their son's potential early on, allowing him to focus on chess by adjusting his schooling to accommodate intense practice schedules. Gukesh captured attention not only on the chessboard but also through social media, where praise poured from various figures, including international icons like Elon Musk.
Upon returning to India, Gukesh was welcomed with great fanfare at the Chennai International Airport, where he was greeted by fans, officials, and family members. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin announced plans to honor the young champion with INR 5 crore, celebrating his monumental victory. This gesture showcases the state’s commitment to fostering young talent and promoting chess as a significant sport.
Looking forward, Gukesh has already set his eyes on new challenges. His success has qualified him for the upcoming Candidates Tournament and the renowned Norway Chess Tournament, where he will face off against top players, including Magnus Carlsen, the world’s highest-rated player. Scheduled from May 26 to June 6, 2025, this tournament will undoubtedly be another stage for Gukesh to showcase his prowess.
The chess community continues to rally behind Gukesh as he embarks on this fascinating chapter of his career. Despite the controversies surrounding high taxation, the young champion's victory is being accurately viewed as the triumph of dedication, talent, and progressive support from mentors and sponsors alike.
For Gukesh, the road to chess stardom may now include challenges related to taxation and media attention, but the clarity around his goals and the support from his coaches and community underlines the resilience required to navigate such pressures. His triumph at the world championship is not merely the culmination of hard work, but also the beginning of what many hope will be standout season for Indian chess on the global stage.
