Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju has scripted history by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion at just 18 years old. Gukesh achieved this incredible feat after defeating reigning champion Ding Liren of China in the 14th and decisive game of the World Chess Championship held on December 12. This victory makes Gukesh only the second Indian to win the title after Viswanathan Anand, a five-time world champion.
Gukesh’s historic win has garnered praise from all corners of the world, including global tech icons.
Congratulations!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 14, 2024
Replying to Gukesh’s post on X, Tesla CEO Elon Musk wrote “Congratulations!” while Google CEO Sundar Pichai dedicated a post applauding Gukesh. “Congrats to Gukesh D, incredible to become youngest world champion at 18!!” he wrote.
Congrats to Gukesh D , incredible to become youngest world champion at 18!! 🇮🇳🎈 https://t.co/ON20QjcKmN
— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) December 12, 2024
Gukesh was Born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai and he started taking interest in chess at a very young age. Raised in a Telugu-speaking family, Gukesh is the son of Dr. Rajinikanth, an ENT surgeon, and Dr. Padma, a microbiologist.
Gukesh’s first major breakthrough came in 2015 when he won the U9 category at the Asian School Chess Championships. At just 12 years old, he clinched the U12 World Youth Chess Championship. That same year, he made a clean sweep at the Asian Youth Chess Championships, securing five gold medals across rapid, blitz, and classical formats in both individual and team events.
Gukesh’s meteoric rise continued as he earned the prestigious International Master title in March 2017. In 2019, he became a Grandmaster at just 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days old.
ALSO SEE: ‘Thank You Amma’: Gukesh D Cries Profusely On Call With Mother After Chess Championship Win
ALSO SEE: Watch: Moment Gukesh D’s Father Realised His Son Is Youngest World Chess Champion
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