D. Gukesh Becomes the World's Youngest Chess Champion

Early Ambition and Rise to Greatness

• At just 11 years old, Dommaraju Gukesh boldly declared his dream of becoming the world's youngest chess champion in a now-viral video
• Narrowly missed becoming the world's youngest grandmaster by only 17 days

Achieved remarkable milestones:

• • Became India's youngest grandmaster
  • Won the Candidates Tournament at a remarkably young age
  • Replaced Viswanathan Anand as the top-ranked Indian player after 36 years

World Championship Journey

• Competed in the FIDE World Chess Championship 2024 in Singapore against defending champion Ding Liren

Championship details:

• • 14-round classical chess event
  • Prize fund of $2.5 million
  • Final score: Gukesh 7.5, Ding 6.5

Key match highlights:

• • Started with a setback by losing the first game
  • Demonstrated extraordinary resilience by bouncing back
  • Showed remarkable composure and focus throughout the three-week competition
  • Clinched victory in the decisive 14th game after Ding's critical blunder

Historical Significance and Future Potential

Achieved multiple historic milestones:

• • Youngest world chess champion in history at 18
  • Second Indian to win the classical chess world championship
  • Broke Garry Kasparov's previous record by six years

Notable recognition:

• • Praised by chess legend Susan Polgar
  • Congratulated by Garry Kasparov
  • Recognized for exceptional talent and potential

Personal perspective:

• • Acknowledges Magnus Carlsen as his inspiration
  • Believes this is just the beginning of a potentially long and successful career
  • Received congratulations from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
  • Took home a prize of USD 1.3 million