D Gukesh: Youngest World Chess Champion Honored as ‘Titan of the Year’ with Exclusive Grandmaster Watch

D Gukesh Crowned ‘Titan of the Year’ in Mumbai, Receives Exclusive Grandmaster Watch

February 13, 2026, 13:50 IST

In a dazzling ceremony held in Mumbai, D Gukesh, the youngest-ever world chess champion, was honored with the prestigious ‘Titan of the Year’ award by Titan Company. This accolade comes as a tribute to his remarkable journey in the world of chess, where he made history in late 2024 by defeating Ding Liren at just 18 years old, becoming the second Indian to claim the world title after the legendary Viswanathan Anand.

The event, which took place on February 6, also saw the unveiling of a limited-edition watch, the Titan Grandmaster, designed specifically to celebrate Gukesh’s achievements. This exclusive timepiece, limited to just 500 units, features intricate chess-inspired details, including a Queen at 12 o’clock, a Rook at 9, a Bishop at 3, and a King at 6, with pawns marking the remaining hours. The watch is priced at Rs 69,995 and boasts a chessboard motif engraved on its dial.

Titan Company expressed their admiration for Gukesh, stating, “Gukesh never rushed the moment. While others chased speed, he chose stillness. In chess, time reveals temperament. In Gukesh, it revealed composure far beyond his years.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of Gukesh’s playing style, which has captivated chess enthusiasts around the globe.

Last year, the Titan of the Year award was presented to Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian to travel to space, highlighting Titan’s commitment to honoring extraordinary achievements across various fields.

As Gukesh basks in the glory of this recognition, he faces a pivotal year ahead. After a mixed performance in 2025, he is gearing up to defend his world title in 2026. The challenger will be determined at the upcoming Candidates Tournament, where fellow Indian R Praggnanandhaa is among the eight contenders vying for the chance to challenge Gukesh.

With the chess world eagerly watching, Gukesh’s journey continues to inspire a new generation of players, proving that with dedication and composure, the sky is the limit.