Gukesh Dommaraju, at the young age of 18, has made chess history by becoming the youngest ever World Chess Champion after his recent victory over China's reigning champion, Ding Liren, at the 2024 World Chess Championship held at Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore. Gukesh's triumph came after he clinched the title with a narrow 7.5 to 6.5 score, sending ripples of excitement through the global chess community.
The final game turned dramatically when Ding Liren blundered, allowing Gukesh to capitalize on the mistake and secure his first world title. Peace turned to joy for the young Indian as he became the 18th player to hold the coveted title. "Winning the World Chess Championship does not mean I am the best player — obviously, that's Magnus Carlsen," he stated, recognizing Carlsen's esteemed legacy.
Magnus Carlsen, the world No. 1 and notable five-time champion, had earlier expressed skepticism over the current chess championship format, declaring, “I am not part of this circus anymore.” He seemed to echo dissatisfaction with the quality of play exhibited during the championship, likening it to “a second or third round match of an open tournament.” His comments brought attention to the nature of intense tournament pressure and its impact on player performance.
Despite the criticism from Carlsen and fellow Grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik, who described Ding's blunders as “childish,” Gukesh took the remarks in stride. “Not really,” he responded to inquiries about being hurt by Carlsen's opinions. He highlighted the importance of character and willpower: “I get it; maybe the quality was not high, but I believe championship matches come down to who has the stronger mentality.” This perspective reflects his maturity at such a young age.
During the press conference held post-victory, Gukesh expressed his admiration for Carlsen and hinted at his desire to face him, stating, "It would be amazing to play Magnus. It is the toughest challenge there is, but I would love to test myself against the best player." This sentiment struck chords with chess enthusiasts, hinting at future rivalries.
Carlsen, who opted out of the classical chess competition for the previous season, continued to maintain his distance from the championship arena. Although he appreciated Gukesh’s achievement, he has firmly ruled out any intent to return. His focus has shifted more toward rapid and blitz formats, expressing concerns about the heavy emphasis on opening preparation over creativity and strategy within classical chess.
The 2024 championship match, which was filled with pressure and emotion, showcased not only Gukesh’s skills but also the pressures faced by players at this level. The young champion candidly shared how the intensity of the match impacted him, acknowledging both his triumph and the unusual pressures involved. He noted, “It’s understandable to be off my game; with different workloads and pressures, I felt the need to respond at key moments.”
Gukesh’s victory not only makes him the youngest World Chess Champion but also signifies the rising prominence of chess talent from India, as he joins the likes of former champion Viswanathan Anand, who has played a pivotal role as Gukesh's mentor throughout his career.
The chess world is abuzz with questions about the future dynamics of competition. Will Gukesh continue to rise, solidifying his place among the chess elite? Or will Carlsen, known for his resilience, one day return to reclaim any titles he chooses to pursue? Gukesh's unwavering determination, combined with Carlsen's legacy, sets the stage for potential legendary chess rivalries.
Overall, this historic event and Gukesh's ascent represent not just personal achievements but mark significant turning points for the sports' popularity, especially among the youth across India and the globe. The energy surrounding Gukesh embodies the spirit of chess — where clashes of intellect, emotional resilience, and historical significance intertwine.
