D Gukesh Makes History, Becomes Youngest Ever World Chess Champion
D Gukesh vs Ding Liren, FIDE World Chess Championship 2024 Game 14 Highlights: Gukesh Becomes the Youngest World Champion
At just 18 years old, India’s rising chess star, D Gukesh Dommaraju, etched his name into history by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion. Gukesh’s historic win came after a thrilling final game of the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship against China’s Ding Liren.
The final match was a must-win for both players, with the score tied at 6.5 points each heading into Game 14. Initially, the game seemed to be heading toward a draw as both players exhibited solid defense. However, in a dramatic turn of events, Ding Liren made a costly blunder in the late stages of the game, allowing Gukesh to seize the advantage and secure a victory.
With this win, D Gukesh became the first Indian to win the World Chess Championship title since Viswanathan Anand claimed the crown in 2012. His triumph also makes him the youngest ever World Chess Champion, surpassing previous records set by the likes of Bobby Fischer and Magnus Carlsen.
This victory adds another remarkable achievement to Gukesh’s already stellar year. Earlier in 2024, he clinched the Candidates Tournament title, securing his spot in the World Championship match. Additionally, he led the Indian team to a historic gold medal at the Chess Olympiad.
Gukesh’s success is not just a milestone for his career but also a historic moment for Indian chess. His achievement has captured the attention of chess enthusiasts worldwide, and it is expected to inspire a new generation of chess players, particularly in India, where chess has seen an exponential rise in popularity.
In winning the FIDE World Chess Championship, Gukesh has firmly established himself as a dominant force in the chess world. His victory signals a new era for Indian chess, following in the footsteps of Viswanathan Anand, who has been a trailblazer for the sport in India.
For now, Gukesh’s name is inscribed in the annals of chess history as the youngest World Chess Champion of all time, a title he will undoubtedly defend as he continues to rise in the global chess rankings.