India’s 18-year-old chess prodigy, Gukesh Dommaraju, has made history by becoming the youngest World Chess Champion. He defeated defending champion Ding Liren of China in a dramatic final at the FIDE World Chess Championship, held in Singapore on December 12, 2024.
The final match was full of excitement as both players fought hard for the title. Ding Liren, who seemed to have an advantage for most of the game, made a critical error towards the end. Gukesh quickly seized the opportunity to turn the game in his favor and clinch the championship.
Gukesh’s journey to the top has been remarkable. He became a grandmaster at just 12 years old, making waves in the chess world with his talent and determination. Before this tournament, he was ranked fifth in the world and was the second-highest-ranked player in India.
By winning the championship at 18, Gukesh has broken the long-standing record set by Russian chess legend Garry Kasparov. Kasparov was 22 years old when he became World Chess Champion in 1985.
This victory marks a major milestone not just for Gukesh but also for Indian chess. It highlights the growing prominence of young talent in the country and is expected to inspire a new generation of chess players. Gukesh’s incredible achievement places him firmly among the legends of the game.
