The chess world finds itself abuzz with intense discussions and debates following a controversial claim surrounding the FIDE World Chess Championship final. In this historic match, India’s D Gukesh emerged victorious over China’s Ding Liren, achieving the remarkable feat of becoming the youngest world champion in chess history.
The championship match on Thursday was nothing short of electrifying. Gukesh seized a golden opportunity when Ding faltered in the endgame, securing a spectacular victory to claim the coveted title. This triumph not only marked a significant milestone in his career but also etched his name in history by breaking a long-standing record. Previously held by Russia’s legendary Garry Kasparov, who became champion at the age of 22 in 1985, Gukesh’s achievement sets a new benchmark in the chess world.
A Dream Realized: The Journey to Achieving the Impossible
For the young, bearded prodigy, it was the realization of a childhood dream. Just six years earlier, he had boldly declared, “I want to become the youngest world chess champion.” His ambition, unwavering and clear, has now taken shape in an incredible journey.
Gukesh has now etched his name in history as India’s youngest grandmaster, achieving this prestigious title at the remarkable age of just 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days. His accomplishment places him among the youngest players ever to achieve such a feat, a testament to his extraordinary talent and dedication to the game of chess.
An Emotional Victory: A Triumph That Transcends the Game
In a heartfelt moment, 18-year-old chess prodigy Gukesh collapsed into his father’s arms, Rajnikanth, after a gruelling three-week battle, spanning 14 intense games, against the formidable Ding, 32. What made this moment even more special was that it fell on the birthday of Tamil cinema icon Rajnikanth, adding a layer of serendipity to an already monumental occasion.
Gukesh, typically known for his calm and reserved demeanor in public, displayed a rare display of emotion. This victory marked a significant milestone in his career—one that pushed him to his breaking point, but also to the pinnacle of his chess journey.
The young Indian grandmaster made history earlier this year when he clinched victory in the 2024 FIDE Candidates Chess Tournament. His win made him the youngest-ever challenger for the World Chess Championship, a title currently held by reigning champion Liren. For Gukesh, this triumph was not just a victory on the board but a testament to his tireless dedication and unwavering focus.
In a poignant post-match interview, Gukesh described his victory as “the best moment of his life.” His words, filled with raw emotion, captured the magnitude of the achievement, and his journey is now etched in the annals of chess history.
Embracing New Challenges: A Path to Growth and Opportunitye
After securing the coveted title, Gukesh now faces a challenge that is far from the chessboard. The young prodigy has made an adventurous promise—he will be going bungee jumping with his coach, Polish Grandmaster Grzegorz Gajewski.
In a lighthearted moment during a rest day, Gukesh and Gajewski found themselves strolling along a beach, watching thrill-seekers take the plunge from a bungee jump platform. Although Gukesh admitted to a fear of heights, the pair joked about taking the leap themselves. “If you win this title, I’m going to jump,” Gajewski remarked, to which Gukesh impulsively agreed, saying, “I’ll join you.”
Now, as the moment approaches, Gukesh is gearing up to face his fears and jump off the bridge—perhaps with a little support from their friend, Paddy Upton. Gukesh shared this amusing update in a video on the International Chess Federation’s (FIDE) X platform, offering a glimpse into his lighter side away from the chessboard.
Breaking Free: A Journey to Personal Growth
Gukesh, widely recognized for his reserved nature, made an unexpected move at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest by forgoing the iconic Bermuda party, a longstanding tradition among players. However, following India’s remarkable success in clinching two gold medals, the young chess prodigy delighted his fans with a surprising twist. He shared a video of himself joyfully dancing to a popular Tamil song, dressed in traditional attire, defying his usual shy persona.
This comes on the heels of Gukesh’s impressive achievements in the world of chess. In 2022, he made waves by defeating US No. 1 Fabiano Caruana at the Chess Olympiad, and not long after, he outperformed Magnus Carlsen in a thrilling match. Gukesh’s rise continued as he etched his name in history by becoming the youngest-ever winner of the prestigious Candidates Tournament in April, earning his spot at the World Chess Championship.
The Pride of a Mentor
Indian chess legend and five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand, who has been a guiding mentor to young prodigy Gukesh, has proudly named him as his successor in the world of chess.
“It’s a moment of immense pride for chess, for India, and for me personally,” Anand expressed following Gukesh’s victory on Thursday. The remarkable achievement has not only earned him accolades within the chess community but has also garnered praise from sports icons across disciplines. Cricket greats such as Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, and Harbhajan Singh, alongside Olympic gold medalist shooter Abhinav Bindra and fellow chess star Tania Sachdev, were quick to celebrate the young champion’s triumph.
This win symbolizes not just an individual’s success but a momentous achievement for Indian sports, reflecting the growth of chess in the country and its global recognition.
The Journey of a Chess Prodigy: Tracing the Roots of Excellence
Gukesh, born into a family of intellectuals with his father being a doctor and his mother a microbiologist, first took to chess at the tender age of seven. His introduction to the world of professional chess was a memorable one—his father took him to witness the historic World Championship match between Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen in Chennai in 2013.
The chess championship in Singapore drew comparisons in India to the iconic 1972 showdown between American Bobby Fischer and the Soviet Union’s Boris Spassky, a fierce battle that played out during the Cold War era.
The tension was palpable as the match reached its peak. After seven consecutive draws, Gukesh clinched victory in the 11th game, seizing a crucial 6–5 lead. However, the advantage was short-lived as Liren, showing remarkable resilience, made a brilliant comeback in the 12th game, leveling the scores. Gukesh, in turn, found himself in a dominant position in the 13th game but couldn’t convert it into a win, resulting in yet another draw.
Then came the pivotal 14th game, where Liren, in a surprising twist of fate, made a critical blunder in the endgame. Seizing the opportunity, Gukesh capitalized on the mistake and secured the title with a final score of 7.5–6.5.
The victory marked a significant achievement for Gukesh, further cementing his place among the chess elite.
A True Champion: The Power of Perseverance and Vision
Gukesh, displaying grace in triumph, praised Ding, acknowledging that despite not being in peak physical form, he “competed like a true champion.” His words resonated with respect for his opponent’s resilience.
After a month of intense competition and sleepless nights, the 18-year-old can finally savor a much-needed break—though he may still be haunted by the echoes of bungee jumping, potentially disrupting his peace of mind.