Gukesh Dommaraju has etched his name in the annals of chess history by becoming the youngest World Chess Champion at just 18 years and 166 days old. The prodigious talent from India triumphed over China’s reigning champion, Ding Liren, to claim the title during the FIDE World Championship held recently in Singapore.
The championship was not just another chess match; it was the culmination of Gukesh’s years of dedication and sacrifice. His victory, which came as no surprise to chess enthusiasts who have followed his meteoric rise, was sealed with a final score of 7.5 points to Ding's 6.5 across 14 grueling games.
This remarkable achievement makes Gukesh only the second Indian to hold the title, following the legendary Viswanathan Anand, and ties India’s title wins with Russia at 6-6, trailing only the Soviet Union’s 17 victories. Gukesh’s performance also shatters the record previously held by Garry Kasparov, who won his first title at 22 years old.
"I am living my dream," Gukesh stated after his victory, reflecting on the long and challenging path he took to reach this pinnacle of chess. His fascination with the game began at the age of seven, when he watched Carlsen win the title from Anand back in 2013. A young Gukesh declared to himself, "I want to be the one to bring the title back to India"—and he certainly delivered on this promise.
Gukesh’s triumph is not solely defined by his skill but also by the unwavering support of his family. His mother, microbiologist Padma Kumari, and father, ENT surgeon Rajinikanth, made significant sacrifices to nurture his chess career. After realizing her son's talent, his mother encouraged him to leave formal education after Class IV to pursue chess full-time.
Despite the lack of sponsorship and financial struggles, the family persevered with the ultimate goal of preparing Gukesh for international competitions. His father even traveled with him around the globe, often struggling to make ends meet. "Without their commitment and sacrifice, I would never have made it to the FIDE World Chess Championship," Gukesh acknowledged, embodying the gratitude he feels toward his family.
To prepare for the championship, Gukesh underwent rigorous mental coaching from Paddy Upton, who aimed to instill resilience and focus for the high-stakes matches. Upton reflected on Gukesh’s character, saying, "He is not only a chess world champion; he is a world-class human being first."
Gukesh's emotional reaction after winning the title surprised many. Initially composed, he broke down when realizing the enormity of his victory following Ding’s blunder. "It was probably the best moment of my life," he admitted, acknowledging the unexpected depth of his feelings at the moment of triumph.
Upon returning to India, Gukesh was met with overwhelming adoration from fans and chess enthusiasts alike. At Chennai International Airport, he was welcomed by hundreds of supporters, many of whom were students from his school, chanting his name and displaying placards. The atmosphere was electrifying—almost akin to the welcome of sports legends returning from victorious tournaments.
Gukesh was overwhelmed by the reception, telling the cheering crowd, "You guys are amazing! You gave me so much energy!" He displayed the glittering trophy proudly, stating, "It means a lot to bring back the trophy to India," highlighting the national pride his victory has ignited.
His father Rajinikanth, who has been his steadfast companion throughout his chess career, beamed with pride. The family’s sacrifices now appear justified, with Gukesh’s recent monetary prize of $600,000 and the addition of new sponsorship opportunities, significantly alleviating their past financial burdens.
Honor and recognition are also rolling in for Gukesh, with the Tamil Nadu government planning to celebrate his accomplishments. He is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who praised Gukesh’s "remarkable accomplishment" and emphasized how it has inspired millions of young minds to dream big.
Once called the next big star of Indian chess, Gukesh has now fulfilled those expectations—and more. He reflected on his aspirations during his homecoming, stating, "My goal has always been to become the best player in the world. Being the world champion is an important step toward the dream, but there is still a long way to go."
With humility and determination, this young champion looks forward to his future endeavors, ready to tackle the challenges the chess world presents. His victory may have marked the beginning of Gukesh's reign, but his reflective nature suggests he won't rest on his laurels. Whether it is training harder, perfecting his game, or simply enjoying the sport he loves, Gukesh Dommaraju is poised to make his mark on the world of chess for years to come.
