The chess world has a new rising star! D Gukesh, a phenomenal 17-year-old Indian prodigy, has secured his place in history by becoming the youngest-ever challenger for the World Chess Championship title. This remarkable achievement came after his dramatic draw against Hikaru Nakamura in the final round of the Candidates Tournament held in Toronto, Canada. Gukesh Dommaraju, India’s Chess Prodigy Shines Bright, is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to the game.

A Record-Breaking Journey
- Grandmaster Title: Gukesh earned the coveted title of Grandmaster at the tender age of 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days—a feat that narrowly missed Sergey Karjakin’s record by a mere 17 days.
- Ratings Milestones: He became the third-youngest Grandmaster ever, surpassing the 2700 Elo rating mark in September 2022. His peak rating reached an impressive 2758 in September 2023.
- FIDE Candidates Tournament: In a stunning display of skill and determination, Gukesh emerged victorious in the 2024 Candidates Tournament, securing his place as the youngest contender to vie for the title of World Chess Champion.
- Chess Olympiad Gold: At the 44th Chess Olympiad, Gukesh dazzled with a perfect score of 8/8, propelling India to defeat the top-ranked U.S. team. His overall performance earned him the gold medal on the first board
Early Life and Passion for Chess
- Born into a Telugu family on May 29, 2006, Gukesh discovered his love for chess at the age of seven. His parents, Dr. Rajinikanth (an ear, nose, and throat surgeon) and Dr. Padma (a microbiologist) nurtured his talent and passion.
- He currently studies at Velammal Vidyalaya School in Mel Ayanambakkam, Chennai, where he continues to hone his skills and strategize for future triumphs.
A Meteoric Rise
Hailing from Chennai, India, Gukesh has displayed exceptional talent from a young age. He became India’s youngest grandmaster ever at 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days, narrowly missing the world record by a mere 17 days. In 2023, he surpassed the legendary Viswanathan Anand to become the highest-ranked Indian chess player.
A Thrilling Tournament
The Candidates Tournament, known for its fierce competition, witnessed several nail-biting matches. While Gukesh wasn’t necessarily the favorite going in, he displayed exceptional composure and strategic brilliance throughout the competition. A crucial factor in his success was the last-minute draw between Ian Nepomniachtchi and Fabiano Caruana, which propelled Gukesh to the top spot despite his own draw against Nakamura.

Facing the Chess Titan
Gukesh will now face the reigning World Chess Champion, Ding Liren, in a highly anticipated match. Ding’s seasoned expertise meets Gukesh’s emerging talent and recent triumphs, creating a thrilling matchup filled with unexpected possibilities. Chess enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting this historic clash.
A New Era for Chess
Gukesh’s achievement signifies a potential shift in the world of chess. His young age and unique playing style, honed without relying heavily on chess engines, have captured the imagination of fans. This historic win opens doors for new chess prodigies to leave their mark on the global stage, inspiring generations.
The future of chess looks bright, with Gukesh leading the charge. Will he be able to dethrone the reigning champion and claim the ultimate chess crown? Only time will tell!
Read Also
- Gukesh Dommaraju becomes youngest world chess champion
- Viswanathan Anand: The Maestro of Indian Chess
- Indian Chess Teams Triumph at the 2024 FIDE Chess Olympiad
- Chess

QuadPro magnetic Travel chess set with folding chess board, Educational toys for Kids and adults
Folding Chess Board, Easy to Carry: The chessboard can be folded as a chess storage box, convenient to carry, keeping your chess neat and orderly
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A1: The International Chess Federation (FIDE) organizes the biennial FIDE Chess Olympiad, where teams from around the world compete in a series of matches to determine the best chess nation.
A2: The Indian chess teams performed exceptionally well, securing a historic victory and showcasing their strategic brilliance on the global stage.
A3: Key players included renowned grandmasters and emerging talents who contributed significantly to the team’s overall performance. Detailed match reports can highlight specific names and their contributions.
A4: We expect this triumph to inspire a new generation of chess players in India, boost the popularity of the game, and enhance the country’s reputation in the international chess community.
A5: The teams underwent rigorous training, participated in various international tournaments, and received support from coaches and analysts to refine their strategies and improve their skills.
A6: Viswanathan Anand, a former World Chess Champion, has been an inspiration for many young Indian players. His legacy continues to influence the development of chess in India.
A7: Rigorous training, innovative coaching methods, psychological preparation, and strong team coordination led to the team’s success.
Your point of view caught my eye and was very interesting. Thanks. I have a question for you.