Indian teenager Gukesh Dommaraju has made history by becoming the youngest undisputed world chess champion. In Singapore, the 18-year-old defeated China’s Ding Liren after an intense 14-day tournament.
Gukesh’s journey to the title has been over a decade in the making. At just seven years old, he witnessed his compatriot Viswanathan Anand lose the world chess title to Magnus Carlsen in 2013. That moment left a lasting impression on him.
“I was in the stands, watching through the glass box, and thought it would be amazing to be there someday,” Gukesh shared with reporters. “When Magnus won, I decided I wanted to bring the title back to India. That dream has driven me for over 10 years.”
Despite the overwhelming pressure, the new chess champion remained focused throughout the tournament. Although he lost the opening game on November 25, he quickly regained his composure. Over the course of the competition, he secured three wins and nine draws, demonstrating incredible mental toughness.
The final game, played at Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa, was particularly dramatic. Observers initially expected the match to end in a draw, leading to rapid-fire tiebreakers on Friday. Many believed Ding would have the advantage in those quick-fire playoffs, given his experience. However, Gukesh refused to settle.
Instead, he tenaciously pressed on, forcing Ding into a critical blunder that sealed his victory. This determined approach not only secured the championship but also showcased Gukesh’s resilience and strategic brilliance.
For Gukesh, this victory marks just the beginning. He has set his sights on maintaining his position at the top of the chess world for as long as possible. Furthermore, he aspires to achieve the legendary status of Magnus Carlsen, the highest-rated chess player in history.
With this historic achievement, Gukesh has firmly established himself as a rising star in chess. His determination, focus, and ambition promise an exciting future for both him and Indian chess.
