Gukesh Dommaraju: The Rise of the World’s Youngest Chess Champion

This article explores the remarkable journey of Gukesh Dommaraju, an 18-year-old chess sensation from India, who recently claimed the title of the youngest world chess champion after defeating defending champion Ding Liren in a thrilling match. The piece examines Gukesh's substantial support system, his achievements, and the significance of his victory in the context of India's thriving chess scene.

In a historic achievement for the world of chess, Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju stunned the international chess community by becoming the youngest world champion at the age of 18 on Thursday. Born in Chennai, India, Gukesh overtook defending champion Ding Liren of China in an exhilarating match in Singapore, where he entered as the challenger. This victory represents the pinnacle of Gukesh’s young but illustrious career, showcasing the culmination of years of hard work and remarkable feats.

Gukesh started his chess journey at a tender age, rising to the status of a grandmaster at just 12 years and seven months old. His aspirations of world championship glory were vocalized even then, fueled by the inspiration he drew from watching the 2013 World Title match between Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen when he was only seven. In a post-match press conference, Gukesh admitted he did not expect to achieve his dream so soon.

With his recent victory, Gukesh became the 18th world champion in chess history, setting a remarkable record as the youngest individual to hold this title since its inception in 1886. He surpassed the previous record held by chess legend Garry Kasparov, who won the championship at the age of 22. The championship match, consisting of 14 games, saw Gukesh and Ding each secure victories, ultimately culminating in a dramatic finish. After a tense battle that led to a tied score heading into the final game, a critical blunder by Ding allowed Gukesh to claim the championship.

Gukesh's journey to this prestigious title has been marked by a series of extraordinary accomplishments over the past three years. He won individual gold medals at the FIDE Chess Olympiad, contributing significantly to India's success with a team bronze in 2022 and gold in 2024. His formative years were not without challenge, as he faced setbacks, including dismissals from mentors, but he persevered with unwavering spirit and resilience.

Though celebrated for his individual brilliance, Gukesh's success is the result of a robust chess ecosystem in India. With over 85 grandmasters in the country and a community of over 30,000 rated players, India's chess scene is thriving. The immense support from both his parents, who paused their careers in medicine to nurture his talent, and his mentor, Anand—himself a five-time world champion—have played vital roles in Gukesh’s development.

Additionally, Gukesh’s academy, the Westbridge Anand Chess Academy, further feeds into his chess prowess. His journey was made possible by substantial financial backing from sponsors and community support, ensuring that travel and training expenses were addressed. Gukesh’s school, Velammal Vidyalaya, has also been accommodating, allowing him the time off needed to build his career.

Beyond chess, Gukesh enjoys various hobbies such as meditation, swimming, and tennis. His future ambitions include solidifying his status as the world's best chess player, challenging the reigning champion Magnus Carlsen while also aspiring for longevity in his career. His title win is an important milestone, yet Gukesh views it merely as one step along his path in the chess world.