Gukesh: The Youngest Challenger for the World Chess Championship Crown

At just 18 years old, Gukesh Dommaraju, hailing from Chennai, India, has already made a name for himself in the world of chess. His recent victory in the cut-throat eight-player Candidates tournament in Toronto has earned him a spot as the youngest-ever challenger for the world champion’s crown in the upcoming World Chess Championship in Singapore.

If Gukesh manages to defeat Ding Liren in the championship match, he will make history as the youngest-ever world champion in the game of chess. Gukesh’s meteoric rise in the chess world can be attributed to his talent, relentless work ethic, and fighting ability on the board.

Despite his young age, Gukesh has already achieved significant milestones in his career. In March 2019, he became the second-youngest Grandmaster in chess history at just 12 years old. His decision to not work with chess engines until reaching a certain ratings threshold, as advised by his coach Vishnu Prasanna, has also played a crucial role in shaping his career.

Gukesh’s dedication to the game has not gone unnoticed, as he has been mentored by none other than five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand. Under Anand’s guidance, Gukesh has excelled in classical chess, the longest time control in the sport.

In 2022, Gukesh led the Indian B team to victory at the Chess Olympiad in Chennai, earning individual gold on the top board. Despite a setback against Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Gukesh bounced back to lead the Indian chess team to a gold medal at the 2024 Olympiad in Budapest.

Gukesh’s rise to the top of the chess world has not only surpassed Anand’s live FIDE rating but has also broken into the world’s top 10, making him India’s No. 1 chess player. Alongside other young talents like Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi, Gukesh represents the new generation of talent in Indian chess, signaling a bright future for the sport in the country.