Gukesh Dommaraju defeated Ding Liren in Singapore’s 2024 World Chess Championship to become the youngest undisputed world champion.
From a young prodigy in India to standing at the pinnacle of the chess world, Gukesh’s rise has been nothing short of spectacular.
But how did he get here? What makes him different from the generations of champions before him? And what does his success mean for the future of chess?
Early Life
Born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, Dommaraju Gukesh grew up in a family that valued education and intellectual pursuits.
His father, Dr. Rajnikanth, is an ENT surgeon, while his mother, Padma Kumari, is a microbiologist.
Gukesh’s chess journey started at seven when his school, part of the Velammal educational group in Chennai, introduced him to the game.
His talent became evident almost immediately, and he soon began formal training. Within six months, he secured his first FIDE rating, a testament to his natural ability.
By age ten, Gukesh’s exceptional talent was evident. His sharp tactical eye and deep positional understanding of chess set him apart from his peers.
Education
Gukesh’s parents made significant sacrifices to support his chess ambitions.
Recognizing his potential very early, they allowed him to take a sabbatical year at the age of 10, giving him the time to focus entirely on chess.
Gukesh’s father even quit his job to travel with Gukesh to tournaments.
Despite his deep commitment to the game, Gukesh’s academic performance remained strong.
His disciplined routine and sharp mind allowed him to excel in his studies while dedicating long hours to mastering chess.
His story perfectly exemplifies the balance between education and sports, showing that academic excellence and chess mastery can go hand in hand.
Chess Career
From a young age, it was evident that Gukesh was destined for greatness. Let’s break down the significant milestones in his remarkable career.
Grandmaster at 12: The Rise of a Prodigy
Gukesh’s meteoric rise began in 2017 when he earned the International Master (IM) title at just 11 years old.
Two years later, in 2019, he made history by becoming a Grandmaster at 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days, making him the second-youngest GM ever.
His rapid ascent saw him achieve:
- A 2700+ Elo rating by July 2022 made him one of the youngest to reach this milestone.
- The 2023 Asian Chess Federation Award for Player of The Year.
- A gold medal at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest, where he won for India without losing a single match.
- The 2025 Khel Ratna Award for Spectacular Performance in Sports.
Gukesh’s achievements drew comparisons to Viswanathan Anand, and many saw him as the next great Indian chess icon.
Road to Becoming World Champion
Gukesh’s journey to the pinnacle of chess was a combination of raw talent, hard work, and fearless play.
The year 2024 was defining for Gukesh Dommaraju as he cemented his place among the world’s elite with a string of remarkable performances.
Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2024
Gukesh finished in a four-way tie for first place with 8.5/13. In the tiebreaks, he defeated Anish Giri in the semifinals but fell short against Wei Yi in the finals.
2024 Candidates Tournament Victory
In April 2024, Gukesh competed in the FIDE Candidates Tournament in Toronto, facing some of the world’s strongest players.
His five victories, including wins against Praggnanandhaa, Alireza Firouzja, Vidit Gujrathi, and Nijat Abasov, secured his top position with 9/14 points.
At just 17 years old, he became the youngest-ever winner of the Candidates Tournament, earning the right to challenge Ding Liren for the World Chess Championship.
Olympiad Success and FIDE Top 5 Entry
In September 2024, Gukesh represented India at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, delivering an undefeated performance.
He scored 9/10, winning the individual gold medal on Board One and leading India to its first-ever team gold medal.
This historic achievement propelled him into the FIDE top-five rankings for the first time on October 1, 2024.
World Chess Championship
The victory at the Candidates earned him the right to challenge Ding Liren for the World Chess Championship in November 2024.
The title match in Singapore was a fierce contest where Gukesh displayed mental resilience, deep preparation, and a relentless fighting spirit.
Despite facing a setback in Game 12, he bounced back, capitalizing on Ding’s errors in the final game to secure the title.
FIDE praised Gukesh’s play for its “near-perfect accuracy,” while Ding Liren graciously acknowledged that it was his best tournament of the year and had no regrets about losing the title to Gukesh.
This extraordinary run in 2024 proved that Gukesh was not just a rising star. He was now at the very top of the chess world.
His victory made him an instant national hero in India, following in the footsteps of Viswanathan Anand but carving his own unique legacy.
Records
Gukesh has broken multiple records in his young career, including:
- Youngest Undisputed World Champion: On December 12, 2024, at 18 years and six months old, Gukesh defeated Ding Liren to become the youngest-ever undisputed World Chess Champion, breaking Garry Kasparov’s 1985 record.
- Youngest FIDE Candidates Winner: In April 2024, Gukesh won the FIDE Candidates Tournament with a score of 9/14, making him the youngest winner in history.
- India’s Youngest 2700+ Player: He became the fourth-youngest player ever to cross 2700 Elo, marking his arrival at the game’s elite level.
- Youngest player ever to reach an ELO rating of 2750
- Third-youngest player to qualify for a Candidates tournament, behind Bobby Fischer and Magnus Carlsen.
Controversies
Gukesh’s career has been mostly celebrated but has not been free of controversy.
German Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour Incident
In early 2025, Gukesh participated in the German leg of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour.
Despite a winless performance, he made headlines due to the substantial appearance fees he received.
This sparked debates on the financial structures of chess tournaments, with some questioning whether elite players should be compensated heavily despite poor results.
Playing Style
Gukesh is known for his aggressive, fearless approach to the game. His playing style includes:
- Dynamic Attacks: Gukesh thrives in sharp, tactical positions, where he calculates deeply and precisely.
- Creative Opening Preparation: He often brings fresh ideas into well-known openings, catching opponents off guard.
- Resilient Defense: Gukesh fights back relentlessly, even in difficult positions, making him an incredibly tough opponent.
His approach blends classical understanding and modern dynamism, making him one of the most exciting players to watch today.
Sample Game: Ding Liren vs Gukesh Dommaraju, Game 14, 2024 World Championship.
In one of the most high-stakes games of the 2024 FIDE World Championship, Gukesh displayed remarkable precision and resilience to outplay Ding Liren and secure the world championship.
This game showcased Gukesh’s dynamic play and endgame technique, proving his ability to handle immense pressure at the highest level.
Conclusion
Gukesh Dommaraju’s rise from chess prodigy to World Chess Champion is a testament to his relentless work ethic, fearless play, and deep understanding of the game.
His accomplishments have not only rewritten chess history but have also inspired a new generation of players.
At just 18 years old, Gukesh’s journey is only beginning. Whether he continues to break more records, redefine modern chess, or inspire millions, one thing is certain: Gukesh is here to stay, and the future of chess belongs to him.
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