Gukesh Dommaraju Becomes the Youngest World Chess Champion
On December 12, 2024, Gukesh Dommaraju made history by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion at just 18 years and six months old, defeating GM Ding Liren in the FIDE World Chess Championship.
Key Details About Gukesh Dommaraju:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gukesh Dommaraju |
| Date of Birth | May 29, 2006 (Age: 18) |
| Place of Birth | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Federation | India |
| Current Title | Grandmaster (GM) |
| World Champion Status | 2024 World Chess Champion, youngest undisputed World Champion at 18 years and 6 months |
| Notable Achievements | – 2024 FIDE Candidates Tournament Winner – Youngest GM of India at age 12 years, 7 months – Individual Gold at the 2022 Chess Olympiad |
| Famous Coaches | GM Vishnu Prasanna |
| Key Milestone | Becoming World Chess Champion on December 12, 2024, defeating GM Ding Liren |
This chart highlights Gukesh’s personal information, key milestones, and notable achievements in his chess career.
Early Years and Passion for Chess
Gukesh started playing chess at seven, which is later than many other chess prodigies.
His school, the Velammal School in Chennai, played a key role in introducing him to the game,
and his first coach, Mr. Bhaskar, helped him become a FIDE-rated player in just six months.
Rapid Rise in the Chess World
By 2015, Gukesh won the Asian School Chess Championship. By 2018, he had already claimed multiple gold medals at the Asian Youth Chess Championships and the World Youth Chess Championships, marking the beginning of his journey to the top of the chess world.
Becoming a Grandmaster
At 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days, Gukesh became the second-youngest Grandmaster in history, missing the record by just 17 days.
His pursuit of this title took him to tournaments around the world, where he played 276 games in 13 countries over 16 months.
Success in Tournaments (2019-22)
Gukesh continued to impress with strong performances in international tournaments, including victories at the HD Bank Open and the Hillerod Chess Club event.
He also won individual gold and helped India earn team bronze at the 2022 Chess Olympiad.
Breaking Records in 2023
In 2023, Gukesh became the youngest player to surpass a 2750 rating and won the Junior Speed Chess Championship.
He also won the Chennai Masters, which helped him secure a spot in the 2024 Candidates Tournament.
The Youngest to Reach 2700 Rating
Gukesh reached the 2700 Elo rating in 2022 at the age of 15, making him one of the youngest players ever
to achieve this feat. This milestone was another indicator of his exceptional talent and potential.
Dominating the 2024 Candidates Tournament
Entering the 2024 Candidates Tournament as an underdog, Gukesh held his own and finished in first place.
His final-round draw against GM Hikaru Nakamura secured his spot as the World Chess Championship challenger.
The 2024 World Chess Championship
Gukesh faced GM Ding Liren in the World Championship, where he lost the first game but made a stunning comeback.
After several draws, Gukesh won the 11th game, securing the championship and becoming the youngest World Chess Champion in history.
Support and Family’s Role in Success
Gukesh’s rise to the top is a result of hard work, strong coaching from GM Vishnu Prasanna, and support from his family.
His father, an ENT surgeon, has made sacrifices to travel with Gukesh to tournaments, playing a crucial role in his success.
A Unique Playing Style
Gukesh is known for his strong opening preparation, deep middle-game strategies, and solid endgame play.
His style of play blends aggressive attacks with strategic depth, making him a dangerous opponent at any level.
The Role of Coaching in His Success
Gukesh’s coach, GM Vishnu Prasanna, has been instrumental in shaping his game.
Prasanna’s guidance, both on and off the board, has helped Gukesh build a solid foundation for his world-class performances.
Gukesh’s Role in India’s Chess Revolution
Gukesh is part of the new generation of Indian chess stars who have put India on the global chess map.
His success continues the legacy of GM Viswanathan Anand and inspires future generations of chess players in India and worldwide.
The Future of Gukesh Dommaraju
With his World Championship win, Gukesh has cemented his place as one of the brightest stars in the chess world.
His future in the game looks incredibly promising, and many expect him to continue breaking records and achieving great things.
Gukesh Dommaraju’s Inspiring Journey to World Champion
In conclusion, Gukesh Dommaraju’s journey from a young chess lover to becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion is truly inspiring.
His victory in the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship shows his incredible skill and hard work.
Gukesh’s achievements, like winning the Candidates Tournament and breaking records, highlight his talent and determination.
He proves that with passion and dedication, age doesn’t matter when it comes to achieving greatness.
Gukesh’s story will motivate many young players to follow their dreams and reach for the stars.