Last Thursday, the chess world witnessed history as 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju of India triumphed over China’s Ding Liren to become the youngest world chess champion ever, achieving this remarkable feat at the World Chess Championship held in Singapore. Gukesh's victory, ending with a nail-biting score of 7.5 to 6.5, marks the dawn of a new era not only for Indian chess but for the global chess community.
Originated from Chennai, Gukesh's path to greatness has been nothing short of phenomenal. He began his chess career at the tender age of seven and turned professional when he was just ten. By twelve, he was already crowned as a grandmaster, the pinnacle title for chess players. His success continued to rise rapidly, notable for winning gold medals at the Chess Olympiads and clinching the prestigious Candidates Tournament earlier this year.
The championship format consists of 14 games where players earn points based on wins and draws, requiring 7.5 points to win the championship. Although Ding Liren originally held the title, many considered Gukesh the favorite going against the backdrop of Ding's recent struggles, which included failing to win any matches since January. The match kicked off with Ding taking the lead, winning the first game, but Gukesh quickly demonstrated his resilience by winning Game 3.
The intensity of the competition escalated, most games ending in draws after Gukesh's Game 11 victory placed him one step closer to the championship title. The climax came during the 14th and final game. Gukesh and Ding labored through nearly five hours on the board, when on the 55th move, Ding made what he later described as a “serious mistake.” The blunder allowed Gukesh to capitalize effectively, culminating in his victory. An overwhelmed Gukesh described the moment as “probably the best moment of my life,” as he celebrated overcoming this challenging yet thrilling match-up.
Returning to Chennai, Gukesh received rousing applause from fans and well-wishers at the airport. Draped in the Indian flag and proudly holding his trophy, he thanked supporters, affirming, “It means a lot to bring back the trophy to India.” The scene resembled the excitement typically reserved for rock stars, with vibrant cheers and enthusiastic celebrations. Gukesh’s arrival was adorned with banners and even flamboyant performers.
The new champion's remarkable achievement does not come without challenges. Chess legend Magnus Carlsen, who recently stepped down from the championship, expressed skepticism about Gukesh’s ability to maintain the same level of performance against stronger opponents like Fabiano Caruana or Hikaru Nakamura. Gukesh himself has acknowledged the inspiring level of greatness achieved by Carlsen, confirming, “It’s a motivating factor, trying to reach the level of greatness,” highlighting his ambition for growth.
Despite his accomplishments, Gukesh regarded his championship as just the beginning. “Becoming the world champion does not mean I am the best player,” he stated, emphasizing his continuous pursuit of improvement. His support system, which includes his parents and the mentorship of five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, plays a pivotal role. Anand brings invaluable experience and guidance as Gukesh prepares for future matches.
Looking forward, Gukesh has his eyes set firmly on upcoming tournaments and potential title defenses scheduled for 2026. The international chess scene is vibrant, with major events and sponsorship opportunities growing, offering Gukesh the potential to etch his legacy even more deeply if he can continue demonstrating his skills.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended Gukesh’s extraordinary success as monumental for Indian chess, stating, “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.” These words capture the essence of Gukesh’s impact beyond just chess, symbolizing hope and inspiration.
With the stage set for new challenges and opportunities, Gukesh Dommaraju’s story exemplifies resilience, talent, and the heartbeat of chess-loving India. His monumental achievement is expected to reverberate across the globe, where aspirations and dreams of countless young players now shine brighter as they witness the rise of their new champion. The chess community eagerly awaits Gukesh’s next move on this grand stage, filled with potential and promise.
