From Prodigy to Champion: D. Gukesh Becomes Youngest World Chess Champion

A New Era for Chess At just 18 years old, D. Gukesh has carved his name in the annals of chess history by defeating China's Ding Liren to become the youngest World Chess Champion. Gukesh’s rise, from a seven-year-old prodigy to global champion, is a story of extraordinary talent, hard work, and sacrifice.

The Early Years Born to Dr. Rajnikanth, an ENT surgeon, and Padma, a microbiologist, Gukesh’s journey was supported by immense family sacrifices. His father took a career break from 2017 to 2018 to travel with Gukesh across the globe for tournaments, while his mother became the family's sole breadwinner. Their efforts paid off as Gukesh’s potential began to shine early.

Milestones Along the Way Gukesh’s chess journey has been nothing short of phenomenal. At the age of 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days, he became the youngest Grandmaster in history in 2019. He soon became the third-youngest player to enter the elite 2700 Elo rating club and later the youngest to surpass a 2750 rating.

His tournament victories include an Under-9 gold at the Asian School Championship and an Under-12 gold at the World Youth Chess Championship. In 2022, he made headlines by defeating then-reigning world champion Magnus Carlsen, becoming the youngest player to achieve the feat.

2024: A Defining Year The year 2024 proved to be a landmark for Gukesh. He won the prestigious Candidates Tournament, a stepping stone to the World Chess Championship. At the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, he played a key role in India’s gold medal victory and also secured two individual gold medals and a team bronze medal.

His crowning moment came on December 12, 2024, in Singapore, when he defeated reigning champion Ding Liren in the final game of the FIDE World Chess Championship, achieving his childhood dream. This victory made him the youngest World Chess Champion, surpassing even the legendary Garry Kasparov’s record.

Surpassing His Idol Gukesh’s victory is deeply symbolic for Indian chess. He surpassed his idol, Viswanathan Anand, to become India’s No. 1 chess player. Anand, the first Indian Grandmaster, became a world champion at 31 but had inspired a generation of young Indian chess players, including Gukesh.

Gukesh’s rise reflects the legacy of “Vishy’s children,” a term coined by Russian chess legend Garry Kasparov. Kasparov’s tribute to Gukesh acknowledged the 18-year-old’s historic achievement and its implications for Indian chess’s future.

The Lightning Kid’s Legacy While Gukesh achieved the world champion title at 18, Viswanathan Anand’s path was no less remarkable. Anand became India’s first Grandmaster in 1988 at the age of 18. Known as “The Lightning Kid” for his rapid playing style, he shattered barriers for Indian chess players.

Anand’s journey saw him win the sub-junior national championship at 14, become the youngest International Master in India at 15, and win the World Junior Chess Championship at 17. At 18, he was already a Padma Shri awardee and India’s first Grandmaster, setting the stage for future generations.

A New Golden Era for Indian Chess Gukesh’s success marks the beginning of a new era for Indian chess. Supported by Viswanathan Anand’s mentorship at the Westbridge-Anand Chess Academy, Gukesh’s talent blossomed. Overcoming financial constraints with the help of crowdfunding and prize money, he’s now poised to lead Indian chess into a golden age.

As Gukesh’s star continues to rise, his story inspires countless young chess enthusiasts worldwide. The 18-year-old’s triumph underscores the power of dreams, hard work, and family support—a legacy that will endure for generations to come.