Teenager Gukesh Dommaraju has made history as the youngest-ever undisputed classical chess world champion, defeating Ding Liren 7.5-6.5 in the 2024 FIDE World Championship in Singapore. At just 18 years old, Gukesh claimed the title after capitalizing on a critical error by Ding in the final game, an achievement that left him in tears of joy.
This victory positions Gukesh as the 18th world chess champion and only the second from India, following in the footsteps of Viswanathan Anand. Social media erupted with celebrations in India, where fans hailed his win as a monumental moment for Indian chess.
Reflecting on his triumph, Gukesh expressed gratitude, saying, “I’ve been dreaming of this moment for over 10 years. To achieve this is living my dream.” He credited his journey to divine intervention and thanked his supporters. The victory also cements India’s status as a chess powerhouse, with talents like R Praggnanandhaa and R Vaishali gaining prominence.
Ding Liren (right) and Gukesh Dommaraju compete during the first day of the World Chess Championship in Singapore. Roslan Rahman/AFP/Getty Images
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Draupadi Murmu lauded Gukesh’s achievement, calling it a historic milestone for Indian chess. Legendary figures like Viswanathan Anand and Sachin Tendulkar praised the young champion for inspiring the next generation of Indian chess players. Gukesh’s win is a testament to his unparalleled talent, determination, and resilience under pressure, heralding a bright future for Indian chess on the global stage.
