In an extraordinary feat, India’s D. Gukesh has become the youngest player to win the World Chess Championship, creating a new chapter in the history of the game. At just 18 years and 8 months old, Gukesh defeated reigning World Champion Ding Liren of China in the final game of the 2024 World Chess Championship, securing a historic victory with a 7.5-6.5 score. The young Indian prodigy played with the black pieces in the final game, outsmarting the seasoned champion to clinch the title. This win marks a remarkable achievement not only for Gukesh but also for Indian chess, and he joins an elite list of players who have etched their names in the annals of chess history.

The 14th and final match of the championship was held on Thursday, and after the 13th match, both players were tied at an equal number of points. According to the tournament rules, the first player to reach 7.5 points would be declared the winner. Gukesh reached the decisive point in the 14th game, securing the World Champion title without the need for a tiebreaker. His victory is particularly momentous because it was achieved at the youngest age ever, breaking the previous record held by legendary Russian grandmaster Garry Kasparov.

Gukesh’s triumph has been met with widespread acclaim, and congratulations have poured in from around the world. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to extend his heartfelt congratulations to the young champion, praising his achievement as a testament to the dedication and talent that Indian chess players possess.

Gukesh’s Journey to the Top

Gukesh was born in Chennai, the birthplace of India’s first grandmaster and former World Champion, Viswanathan Anand. His father is a doctor, and his mother is a microbiologist. Gukesh’s passion for chess began at the age of seven when he started playing the game. Within a year, he won the Under-9 Asian School Chess Championship, showcasing his potential. From there, Gukesh’s career rapidly ascended, with numerous victories in Under-12 tournaments and a collection of five gold medals in international competitions.

At the age of just 12 years and 7 months, Gukesh became a Grandmaster, earning the title at one of the youngest ages ever. He became India’s youngest Grandmaster, as well as the second youngest in the world, following Russia’s Sergey Karjakin, who achieved the title at 12 years and 7 months. This early achievement set the stage for Gukesh’s meteoric rise in the chess world.

His rise in Indian chess was nothing short of spectacular. After 26 years, Gukesh surpassed Viswanathan Anand, becoming the highest-ranked Indian chess player in the world. Anand, who is also Gukesh’s mentor, has played a significant role in shaping his chess career. Gukesh had even expressed his desire to become the youngest World Chess Champion at the age of 11, a dream that seemed distant at the time, especially since he hadn’t yet earned his Grandmaster title. However, Gukesh’s determination and hard work paid off, and today, he has fulfilled that childhood promise.

Breaking Barriers and Creating New Records

In addition to his World Championship title, Gukesh’s achievements in chess have been groundbreaking. He became the second Indian to win the Candidates Tournament, following Anand. His participation in the Candidates Tournament itself was a subject of debate, as there was controversy over whether the Chennai Grandmasters tournament had been organized specifically to help Gukesh and his fellow Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi qualify. This sparked discussions within the Indian chess community, but Anand, as the Vice-President of FIDE, stood by Gukesh, defending his qualifications and achievements.

Anand, one of the most respected figures in the chess world, said, “If a player sees that finishing fifth in a tournament will give them the opportunity to qualify, then they are not breaking any rules. It’s about playing the game with the intent of winning, and if they’re playing to finish fifth, they are not committing any wrongdoing. The tournament was organized in a way that didn’t violate any rules.”

In 2022, Gukesh had already made his mark by winning a gold medal in the individual category at the Chess Olympiad. By 2023, he reached an Elo rating of 2750, making him the youngest player to do so. His rise to the top of Indian chess was confirmed when he overtook Anand to become the highest-ranked Indian player. This progression culminated in his World Championship victory, a moment that solidified his place as one of the greatest young talents in the game.

Gukesh’s Emotional Moment

After securing the World Championship title, Gukesh was overwhelmed with emotion, unable to contain the tears of joy that flowed freely. This victory, which fulfilled a lifelong dream, was not only a personal achievement but also a milestone for Indian chess. As the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, Gukesh’s victory has added a new dimension to India’s chess legacy and has inspired countless young chess players across the country to believe in their potential.

The Road Ahead for Gukesh

As the new World Chess Champion, Gukesh’s future in the game looks brighter than ever. His success has already had a profound impact on the global chess community, and his triumph will be remembered as a defining moment in the history of the sport. The young champion has set an example for others to follow, showing that hard work, dedication, and a clear vision can lead to remarkable success.

As Gukesh continues to evolve as a player, there is no doubt that he will face new challenges and rivalries. However, with his exceptional talent, determination, and support from mentors like Anand, Gukesh is poised to remain a dominant force in the world of chess for many years to come.

A Legacy in the Making

Gukesh’s victory at the 2024 World Chess Championship is not just a personal achievement but a moment that will go down in history. It signals the rise of a new generation of chess players from India, and with the support of the country’s chess community, Gukesh’s legacy is sure to inspire future generations. The Indian chess scene is undoubtedly stronger than ever, and Gukesh’s success will help fuel even greater interest in the game within the country.

This historic win, combined with his earlier accomplishments, proves that Gukesh is more than just a rising star – he is now a living legend in the world of chess. With many more years ahead of him, the chess world eagerly anticipates what Gukesh will achieve next.