# D Gukesh Becomes Youngest-Ever World Chess Champion at 18 years!

URL: https://technosports.co.in/d-gukesh-18-becomes-youngest-ever-world-chess/  
Published: 2024-12-13  
Updated: 2024-12-13  
Author: REMYA BABU S

*[D Gukesh](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gukesh_Dommaraju)* : Indian Grandmaster **D Gukesh** has etched his name in the annals of chess history by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion at the age of just **18 years, 8 months, and 14 days**. In a thrilling showdown in Singapore, Gukesh defeated reigning champion **Ding Liren** of China in the decisive 14th round, claiming victory with a final score of **7.5-6.5**. This historic achievement has broken the long standing record of Garry Kasparov, who was 22 when he first became world champion in 1985.

> .[@DGukesh](https://twitter.com/DGukesh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) was in tears after he became the youngest world chess champion.   
>   
> Gukesh, who is also the first teenager to win the title, broke the record of Garry Kasparov, who became the champion at the age of 22 after beating Anatoly Karpov way back in 1985. [#Gukesh](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gukesh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#DGukesh](https://twitter.com/hashtag/DGukesh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)… [pic.twitter.com/u3eew3awRw](https://t.co/u3eew3awRw)
>
> — IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) [December 12, 2024](https://twitter.com/IndiaToday/status/1867213755358286116?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## ***D Gukesh : The Youngest World Chess Champion in History***

### **A New Era for Indian Chess**

With this triumph, Gukesh becomes only the **second Indian** to claim the prestigious World Chess Championship title, following in the footsteps of the legendary **Viswanathan Anand**. Speaking about his achievement, Gukesh said, *“It’s the best day of my life. But this is just the beginning of what I hope will be a long and successful career.”*

Gukesh’s rise to the top is a testament to the growing strength of Indian chess, which has been nurtured by the efforts of Anand and other chess pioneers. Gukesh led Team India to a historic **gold medal in the 45th Chess Olympiad** earlier this year, and now, his world championship victory adds another feather to the cap of Indian chess.

> India's son, Youngest World Champion 🇮🇳🔥♟  
>   
> Take a bow [@DGukesh](https://twitter.com/DGukesh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)![#GukeshDing](https://twitter.com/hashtag/GukeshDing?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/HdtwJPzmtE](https://t.co/HdtwJPzmtE)
>
> — Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) [December 12, 2024](https://twitter.com/PiyushGoyal/status/1867217562611929110?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

### **Breaking Down Gukesh’s Historic Win**

#### **A Rollercoaster Championship**

The **2024 World Chess Championship** was a 14-round classical format that tested the mettle of both competitors. After losing the opening game to Ding, Gukesh showcased remarkable resilience, leveling the match in the third round.

The contest remained neck and neck, with both players tied at **6.5-6.5** heading into the final round. In the decisive game, Ding played with the white pieces and was in a strong position to force a tiebreaker. However, under immense pressure, Ding made a critical blunder on the **53rd move**, allowing Gukesh to capitalize and claim the championship.

Reflecting on the dramatic endgame, Gukesh said, *“I probably got so emotional because I did not expect to win from that position.”*

> 🇮🇳 GUKESH D WINS THE 2024 FIDE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP! 👏 🔥[#DingGukesh](https://twitter.com/hashtag/DingGukesh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/aFNt2RO3UK](https://t.co/aFNt2RO3UK)
>
> — International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) [December 12, 2024](https://twitter.com/FIDE_chess/status/1867193316921524479?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

#### **The Final Scorecard**

Gukesh clinched three wins in total, while Ding managed two victories. The rest of the games ended in draws, making Gukesh’s ability to deliver under pressure the key to his success.

### **How Gukesh Became a Champion**

#### **Breaking Kasparov’s Record**

Gukesh’s victory shattered the record held by Garry Kasparov, who had been the youngest world chess champion since 1985. At just **18 years**, Gukesh is four years younger than Kasparov was when he defeated Anatoly Karpov to claim the title.

> The new World Chess Champion is an Indian. Thank you dearest [#GukeshD](https://twitter.com/hashtag/GukeshD?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) for making 1.4 Billion Indians happy and proud! Zindabad! Jai Hind! ❤️😍🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 [#WorldChampion](https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldChampion?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#Chess](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chess?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@DGukesh](https://twitter.com/DGukesh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/PB19ABeWs1](https://t.co/PB19ABeWs1)
>
> — Anupam Kher (@AnupamPKher) [December 12, 2024](https://twitter.com/AnupamPKher/status/1867255941873172816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

Here’s how Gukesh compares to the youngest world chess champions in history:

| **Player** | **Age at Title** | **Year** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| D Gukesh | 18 years, 8 months | 2024 |
| Garry Kasparov | 22 years, 6 months | 1985 |
| Magnus Carlsen | 22 years, 11 months | 2013 |
| Mikhail Tal | 23 years, 5 months | 1960 |

#### **Path to the Championship**

Gukesh earned his spot in the World Chess Championship by winning the highly competitive **Candidates Tournament** earlier this year. The tournament featured the top chess players from around the world, including fellow Indian stars **Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa** and **Vidit Gujrathi**.

### **A Future Full of Promise**

Gukesh has no plans to rest on his laurels. In his victory speech, he acknowledged the towering presence of world number one **Magnus Carlsen**, stating, *“Becoming world champion doesn’t mean I’m the best player in the world. Magnus is at a very high level, and he motivates me to keep improving.”*

> I never imagined I’d be so elated to see someone crying ❤️  
>   
> Gukesh’s tears after winning the World Championship say it all—dedication, sacrifice, and a dream fulfilled 🙏  
>   
> Congrats to the World Champion and his team! An inspiration and a celebration 🔥[#Gukesh](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gukesh?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [#WorldChampion](https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldChampion?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/9z363RGdEJ](https://t.co/9z363RGdEJ)
>
> — Surya Sekhar Ganguly (@suryachess64) [December 12, 2024](https://twitter.com/suryachess64/status/1867210925532647478?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

#### **Prize and Legacy**

For his historic win, Gukesh took home **$1.3 million** in prize money. More importantly, he has secured his place as the **18th World Chess Champion** and the youngest-ever holder of the undisputed title.

Gukesh’s victory is more than just a personal milestone; it signals the dawn of a new era in chess. With his composure under pressure, strategic brilliance, and unrelenting ambition, the Indian teenager has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.

> The range of emotions you go through when becoming the 18th World Chess Champion. [@DGukesh](https://twitter.com/DGukesh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) ❤️  
>   
> Photos: Eng Chin An [pic.twitter.com/0MHaS9St1Y](https://t.co/0MHaS9St1Y)
>
> — ChessBase India (@ChessbaseIndia) [December 12, 2024](https://twitter.com/ChessbaseIndia/status/1867219454381392178?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

As Gukesh himself said, this is only the beginning. The chess world is eagerly watching to see how far this prodigy will go.

## FAQs

### Who is D Gukesh?

*D Gukesh is an Indian Grandmaster who became the youngest-ever World Chess Champion at the age of 18*

### When did Gukesh win the World Chess Championship?

*Gukesh won the World Chess Championship on December 12, 2024, defeating China’s Ding Liren*

**Read more:** [IPL 2025 Retentions: Full List of Retained and Released Players, Remaining Purse, RTM Cards & Confirmed Captains](https://technosports.co.in/ipl-2025-retentions-players-purse-rtm-captains/)