Google Doodle Honors World Chess Champions Meeting in Singapore for FIDE World Chess Championship
The world of chess is abuzz as the FIDE World Chess Championship kicks off in Singapore, bringing together the best players from around the globe. Google has even joined in on the excitement by honoring the players with a special doodle for the day, showcasing the classic game played on 64 black and white squares.
The championship final, set to take place from 25 November to 13 December 2024, will feature the current world champion, Ding Liren of China, facing off against the rising star from India, D. Gukesh. This highly anticipated match will consist of 14 classical games, with the first player to score 7.5 points claiming the title.
Chess, a two-player board game known for its strategic gameplay, has a rich history dating back to the sixth century in India. The rules of the game began taking shape in the 15th century, leading to the first international competition in 1851. Over the years, new iterations of the game have emerged, including timed and speed chess, adding an element of surprise and quick thinking to the matches.
Gukesh, the 18-year-old Indian Grandmaster, has made headlines as the youngest-ever player to challenge for the FIDE World Chess Championship. Securing his place by winning the 2024 FIDE Candidates Tournament, Gukesh has proven his skill by defeating renowned players such as Alireza Firouzja and Hikaru Nakamura. If he emerges victorious against Ding Liren, Gukesh will make history as the youngest Classical World Champion.
Hailing from Chennai, India, a city known for producing chess legend Viswanathan Anand, Gukesh started playing chess at the age of seven. With training from esteemed coaches at Velammal School, he quickly rose through the ranks, earning a FIDE rating within just six months of starting. At the age of 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days, Gukesh became the second-youngest GM in history, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication to the game.
As the world watches in anticipation, the FIDE World Chess Championship promises to be a thrilling event filled with strategic gameplay, intense competition, and the potential for a new champion to emerge. Stay tuned as Ding Liren and Gukesh battle it out on the chessboard for the ultimate title of World Chess Champion.