18-Year-Old Indian Prodigy D Gukesh Makes History as the Youngest Chess World Champion!
Quick Summary
- Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh, aged just 18, has become the youngest World Chess Champion by defeating Ding Liren in a dramatic final of the 2024 World Chess Championship.
- Breaking Garry Kasparov’s longstanding record, Gukesh’s victory marks a monumental moment in chess history and solidifies India’s prominence in the global chess arena.
- His inspiring journey from young enthusiast to champion serves as a beacon for aspiring chess players worldwide.

In a breathtaking finale to the World Chess Championship 2024, Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh has just made history by defeating the reigning champion Ding Liren in Singapore. At just 18 years old, Gukesh has clinched the title of the youngest world chess champion ever, surpassing the legendary Garry Kasparov’s record set in 1985.
The Historic Victory
- Match Final: In an intense 14th game, Gukesh managed to secure a crucial win, ending with a score of 7.5 against Ding Liren’s 6.5.
- Game Duration: The decisive game lasted four hours, involving 58 strategic moves.
- Prize Money: Gukesh will take home a significant portion of the USD 2.5 million prize pool.
A New Era in Chess
- Breaking Records: Before this match, the youngest world chess champion was Garry Kasparov at 22 years old when he defeated Anatoly Karpov. Gukesh, with this win, breaks that record by four years.
- Indian Pride: Gukesh is only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to claim the prestigious title.
The Journey to Championship
- Candidates Tournament: Gukesh earned his spot in the championship by winning the Candidates Tournament earlier in 2024, becoming the youngest challenger in chess history.
- Match Highlights:
- Round 3: Gukesh’s first victory over Liren.
- Round 11: Another win, showcasing his tactical prowess.
- Round 12: Liren’s comeback with a win.
- Rounds 1-2, 4-10, 13: All games ending in draws, adding to the suspense.
The Final Showdown
The match kept everyone on edge, with the result uncertain until the very last moment. Following a string of ties, the suspense reached its peak in the decisive game, keeping the tension high until the end. Ding Liren, playing with white, made a critical error, allowing Gukesh to capitalize on the opportunity.
- Celebration: The usually composed Gukesh couldn’t hide his joy, breaking into a wide grin and raising his arms in victory, a moment captured and celebrated widely on social media.
What's Next?
Had the final game ended in a draw, the championship would have moved to rapid tie-breaks scheduled for the following day. However, Gukesh’s victory made that unnecessary, sealing his name in the annals of chess history.
Gukesh’s journey from watching his parents play to becoming a world champion at such a young age is a testament to hard work, dedication, and strategic thinking. His story is an inspiration, showing that with passion and perseverance, even the youngest can achieve the highest accolades in chess.
This groundbreaking achievement not only marks a personal triumph for Gukesh but also elevates India’s standing in the global chess community, promising a bright future for the sport in the country.
This groundbreaking achievement not only marks a personal triumph for Gukesh but also elevates India’s standing in the global chess community, promising a bright future for the sport in the country.
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