Indian Chess Prodigy D Gukesh Makes History as Youngest-Ever World Chess Champion

Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh made history on Thursday by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion at just 18 years old. Gukesh defeated reigning champion Ding Liren to secure the coveted title, joining the ranks of the legendary Viswanathan Anand as only the second Indian to achieve this remarkable feat.

As the nation celebrated Gukesh’s incredible achievement, a section of fans took a humorous approach by congratulating the Income Tax Department and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The reason for the lighthearted trolling? The substantial tax Gukesh will owe on his prize winnings.

Gukesh’s total net worth surged to approximately ₹21 crore after his victory at the 2024 World Chess Championship. Falling under the 30% income tax slab in India, Gukesh is expected to pay around ₹3 crore in taxes on his winnings. However, factoring in the surcharge and other applicable taxes, his total tax liability is estimated to be ₹4.67 crore.

The 2024 World Chess Championship featured a massive prize pool of $2.5 million (₹21 crore approximately). Gukesh secured three wins, earning $600,000 (₹5.04 crore) from victories, while Ding Liren earned $400,000 (₹3.36 crore) from his two wins. The remaining prize money was split evenly between the finalists, with Gukesh walking away with $1.35 million (₹11.34 crore approximately) and Ding earning $1.15 million (₹9.66 crore approximately).

Reflecting on his victory, Gukesh shared his long-cherished dream of winning the chess crown, expressing his gratitude and emotions. His historic triumph not only makes him a role model for budding chess players but also cements India’s dominance in the global chess arena, further building on the legacy of Viswanathan Anand.