Who is Gukesh Dommaraju? The 18-year-old becomes youngest-ever World Chess Champion

Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh etched his name in chess history as he defeated China's Ding Liren in the decisive 14th and final game to become the youngest-ever World Chess Champion. He also became the second Indian to claim the World Chess Championship, following the legendary Viswanathan Anand, who won the title four times (2007, 2008, 2010, 2012).?

In fact, at just 18 years old, Gukesh became the first teenager to claim this prestigious title. In the championship's final game, Gukesh capitalized on the error made by Ding Liren and sealed his victory in 58 moves. But who exactly is this prodigy?

Who is D Gukesh?

Gukesh Dommaraju, popularly known as D Gukesh, was born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, India, to Dr. Rajinikanth, an ENT surgeon, and Dr. Padma, a microbiologist. Hailing from a Telugu family, Gukesh began playing chess at the age of seven.?It was in 2015 that Gukesh won his first major milestone - the U9 category at the Asian School Chess Championships. Three years later, he clinched the U12 World Youth Chess Championship title.

In fact, at the age of 12, he secured five gold medals at the 2018 Asian Youth Chess Championships across various formats: individual rapid and blitz, team rapid and blitz, and individual classical.

By March 2017, he had earned the title of International Master, and in the same year, at the age of 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days, he became the third-youngest Grandmaster in history.

His rise:

Talking about his breakthrough year, it came in August 2023 when he became the youngest player in history to achieve a rating of 2750. In fact, following that month, he ended Viswanathan Anand's 37-year reign as India's top-ranked chess player.?

The year of 2024 was a dream as he won the Candidates Tournament, earning a place in the World Chess Championship against Ding Liren. In September, he even led India to its first-ever Chess Olympiad gold medal alongside teammates Arjun Erigaisi, Pentala Harikrishna, R Praggnanandhaa, and Vidit Gujrathi.?

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