Chess Rankings 2024: Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh has made history as the youngest ever World Chess Champion at just 18, but his remarkable feat has yet to catapult him into the top three of the global chess rankings. Despite his triumph over Ding Liren at the 2024 World Chess Championship in Singapore, Gukesh currently holds the fifth position in the FIDE classical rankings.
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Chess Rankings 2024: Gukesh Wins World Championship but Stays Outside the Top 3
Why Gukesh Is Still Outside the Top 3
The classical chess rankings are based on a player’s performance over multiple tournaments, not just a single event. While Gukesh’s world title has undeniably boosted his rating, it wasn’t enough to dethrone the titans of the game. Norwegian chess legend Magnus Carlsen continues to dominate the rankings at number one with a staggering rating of 2831. He is followed by American stars Fabiano Caruana (2803.4) and Hikaru Nakamura (2802.0), who occupy the second and third positions, respectively.
Gukesh’s rating of 2776.8 places him just behind his compatriot Arjun Erigaisi, who has surged to the fourth spot with an impressive rating of 2800.6. This leaves Gukesh tantalizingly close to breaking into the top three, a goal that now appears firmly within his grasp given his current trajectory.
India’s Chess Revolution: 3 Indians in the Top 10
Indian chess is experiencing a golden era, with three players now ranked in the top 10 of the FIDE classical rankings, a historic first.
- Arjun Erigaisi: Ranked fourth, the 21 year old has been on a meteoric rise and is now the highest-ranked Indian player. His consistency and strong performances have earned him a place among the world’s elite.
- D Gukesh: Holding the fifth spot, Gukesh’s victory at the World Chess Championship has cemented his status as a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.
- Viswanathan Anand: The 55 year old chess legend and India’s first World Chess Champion remains in the top 10 at the tenth position with a rating of 2750.0. Anand’s enduring presence continues to inspire a new generation of Indian players.
This impressive showing underscores India’s growing dominance in the world of chess, with a pipeline of young talent ready to take on the global stage.
A Historic World Championship Win
Gukesh’s victory over Ding Liren in the 2024 World Chess Championship was a dream come true for the young grandmaster, who grew up idolizing players like Anand and Carlsen. The championship match in Singapore was a rollercoaster, with both players trading victories before Gukesh clinched the title in the 14th game.
The win marked Gukesh as only the second Indian to claim the world title, following in the footsteps of Viswanathan Anand, who last held the crown in 2013. Gukesh’s rise to the top has captured the imagination of chess fans worldwide, with many viewing him as the future of the game.
Challenges Ahead for Gukesh
Despite his recent success, Gukesh faces significant challenges as he aims to climb higher in the global rankings:
- Consistency Across Formats: While Gukesh has proven himself in classical chess, he must continue to perform consistently across tournaments to boost his rating.
- Rapid and Blitz Play: Gukesh has been less dominant in faster time controls, which are crucial for excelling in modern chess. His performance in rapid and blitz events will play a pivotal role in his quest to climb the rankings.
- Competing Against the Giants: Players like Carlsen, Caruana, and Nakamura bring immense experience and a track record of success that will test Gukesh’s mettle in future encounters.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Indian Chess
With Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and Viswanathan Anand all holding top 10 spots, the future of Indian chess looks brighter than ever. Gukesh’s World Championship win is a testament to the hard work, determination, and talent of the new generation of Indian players. As Gukesh continues to mature as a player, there’s little doubt that he has what it takes to break into the top three and perhaps even challenge for the number one spot.
For now, however, the chess world will celebrate Gukesh’s incredible achievement while eagerly watching his next moves in the journey to becoming a true legend of the game.
Global Chess Rankings 2024 (Classical)
| Rank | Player | Country | Rating | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Magnus Carlsen | Norway | 2831.0 | 34 |
| 2 | Fabiano Caruana | USA | 2803.4 | 32 |
| 3 | Hikaru Nakamura | USA | 2802.0 | 37 |
| 4 | Arjun Erigaisi | India | 2800.6 | 21 |
| 5 | Gukesh D | India | 2776.8 | 18 |
| 6 | Nodirbek Abdusattorov | Uzbekistan | 2767.6 | 20 |
| 7 | Alireza Firouzja | France | 2763.0 | 21 |
| 8 | Ian Nepomniachtchi | Russia | 2753.6 | 34 |
| 9 | Wei Yi | China | 2750.9 | 25 |
| 10 | Viswanathan Anand | India | 2750.0 | 5 |
D Gukesh’s World Championship win is a milestone for Indian chess, but the journey doesn’t end here. With fierce competition at the top, Gukesh must now focus on maintaining his form and expanding his dominance in the chess world. As fans, we can only wait and watch as this young genius continues to carve his name in the annals of chess history.
FAQs
Who is Gukesh Dommaraju?
Gukesh Dommaraju is an 18 year old chess prodigy from India who became the 2024 World Chess Champion
What is Gukesh’s current global ranking in chess?
As of 2024, Gukesh is ranked 5th in the world chess classical rankings with a rating of 2776.8
