The world of chess witnessed a historic moment on Thursday as Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju emerged as the youngest ever world champion at the tender age of 18. This triumph marks the pinnacle of Gukesh’s remarkable chess journey, a story filled with dedication, talent, and unwavering support.
A Dream Realized: From Prodigy to Champion
Gukesh’s chess journey began at a young age, nurtured by a spark ignited while observing family members play. This initial interest soon blossomed into a passion that led him to enroll in a chess summer camp at school. It was there that a coach recognized his exceptional talent, setting him on the path to becoming a chess prodigy.
Early Achievements and Rising Ambitions
By the age of 12 years and seven months, Gukesh had already achieved the coveted title of chess grandmaster. Even at this young age, his ambition was clear – to become the world champion. He had harbored this dream since witnessing a World Title match between Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen in 2013.
Chess Acumen and a Thrilling Victory
Gukesh’s dedication to chess translated into a string of extraordinary achievements. He secured the individual gold medal for best performance in the past two Chess Olympiads, leading India to team bronze and gold medals in Chennai 2022 and Budapest 2024, respectively. He also conquered the Candidates’ tournament, earning the right to challenge the reigning champion, Ding Liren.
The title match itself was a tense battle. Gukesh initially lost the first game but displayed resilience, equalizing with a win in game three. He then took the lead in game eleven before Ding tied the score with a win in game 12. The final game, played under immense pressure with the title and prize fund on the line, witnessed a critical blunder by Ding on move 55. Gukesh, seizing the opportunity, capitalized on the error and secured his place as the youngest world chess champion in history.
Beyond the Individual: A Supportive Ecosystem
Gukesh’s story transcends that of a solitary talent. He stands as the culmination of a robust chess ecosystem in India, arguably one of the best in the world. Gukesh has benefited immensely from the support of his parents, both doctors who put their careers on hold to nurture his talent. He received invaluable guidance from Viswanathan Anand, a five-time world champion and his mentor. Additionally, his school, financial sponsors, and countless fans across India contributed to his success.
Looking ahead, Gukesh’s goals are ambitious yet clear. He aspires to become the number one ranked chess player in the world, surpassing the current champion, Magnus Carlsen. He views the title as a vital step in his chess journey, a testament to his dedication and a foundation for building a long and illustrious career at the top.
