Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh Makes History as Youngest-Ever World Chess Champion
Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh Makes History as Youngest-Ever World Chess Champion
In a thrilling and historic moment for Indian chess, 18-year-old D Gukesh has etched his name in the record books as the youngest-ever World Chess Champion. The talented grandmaster secured victory in the decisive 14th game against China’s Ding Liren, showcasing his strategic prowess and determination on the board.
The intense game had fans on the edge of their seats, but perhaps no one was more nervous than Gukesh’s father, Rajnikanth, an ENT surgeon. As the game unfolded, Rajnikanth was seen pacing outside the room, anxiously awaiting the outcome. When Gukesh emerged victorious, a heartwarming video captured the emotional rollercoaster of his father’s reaction—from disbelief to pure joy, culminating in a touching father-son hug that has since gone viral.
The Government of India shared the emotional video on their Instagram account, celebrating Gukesh’s remarkable achievement and his father’s heartwarming display of pride and support.
Gukesh’s journey to the World Chess Championship victory has been nothing short of extraordinary. Achieving the Grandmaster title at just 12 years old, he has continued to make waves in the chess world. In 2024, he won the Candidates Tournament, earning a spot in the championship match against Ding Liren. With a final score of 7.5 points to Liren’s 6.5, Gukesh emerged as the victor in a game that seemed destined for a draw.
This victory not only solidifies Gukesh’s place in chess history but also earns him a substantial prize of USD 1.35 million (approximately ₹11.45 crore) from the total $2.5 million prize pool. Each classical game win in the championship was valued at $200,000 (approximately ₹1.69 crore), with Gukesh securing three wins and Liren two.
As the second Indian to win the World Chess Championship after Viswanathan Anand, Gukesh’s triumph is a testament to his skill, dedication, and unwavering passion for the game. His success has not only brought glory to India but has also inspired a new generation of chess enthusiasts to dream big and aim for greatness on the board.