D Gukesh : Indian chess witnessed a landmark year in 2024, with prodigy D Gukesh cementing his place as a global icon in the sport. At just 18 years of age, Gukesh achieved what many can only dream of winning the World Chess Championship, defeating reigning champion Ding Liren, and amassing a staggering ₹13.6 crore in prize money.
This historic feat not only etched Gukesh’s name in the annals of chess history but also brought glory to India, paving the way for the next generation of chess stars.
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D Gukesh Shines Bright in 2024: Earns ₹13 Crore in Prize Money, Second Only to Vishwanathan Anand in Lifetime Wealth
A Year to Remember: Gukesh’s Unstoppable Rise
D Gukesh started the year with a bang, clinching the Candidates Tournament to earn a shot at the World Chess Championship. His decisive victory against Ding Liren in Singapore not only crowned him as the youngest World Chess Champion but also solidified India’s dominance in the global chess arena.
This victory brought Gukesh unparalleled recognition and financial success:
- World Chess Championship Earnings: ₹11.45 crore
- Reward from Tamil Nadu Government: ₹5 crore
- Additional Rewards: A Mercedes Benz E Class gifted by his school, Velammal Vidyalaya, for his performance in the Candidates Tournament.
With total earnings of $1,577,842 (₹13.6 crore), Gukesh emerged as the highest earning chess player in 2024, surpassing stars like Ding Liren and Magnus Carlsen.
Indian Chess Dominates Global Rankings
Gukesh’s incredible achievements were part of a larger wave of success for Indian chess in 2024:
- Koneru Humpy: Among 17 players globally to earn over $100,000 in prize money.
- Praggnanandhaa: Ranked 9th in prize money earnings with $202,136.
- Arjun Erigaisi: Secured a spot with $119,767 in earnings.
While Gukesh dominated the year, the overall earnings chart for chess players still sees Magnus Carlsen at the top with lifetime earnings of $10,776,973. Close behind is Vishwanathan Anand, India’s chess legend, with lifetime earnings of $9,485,844, solidifying his position as the second richest chess player globally.
Mentorship That Made a Difference
A crucial factor in Gukesh’s success is his training under Vishwanathan Anand. As a mentee of Anand’s academy, Gukesh benefitted from world class coaching, strategic guidance, and a wealth of experience.
Anand’s mentorship not only honed Gukesh’s technical skills but also instilled in him the mental toughness required to excel at the highest level. With such strong backing, Gukesh has quickly risen to become a formidable force in international chess.
The Future of Indian Chess
Gukesh’s remarkable journey has brought Indian chess into the spotlight, inspiring young players to dream big. His success signals a new era for the sport, with India emerging as a powerhouse in chess.
- Recognition: Gukesh’s financial and sporting achievements highlight the lucrative potential of chess as a career.
- Global Dominance: With players like Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, and Koneru Humpy joining Gukesh at the top, India is poised to dominate the international chess scene in the coming years.
- Youthful Energy: Gukesh’s achievements at just 18 showcase the untapped potential of India’s young talent.
2024: A Year of Record Breaking Earnings
Gukesh’s financial success is a testament to the growing rewards in professional chess. Here’s a quick look at the top earners in 2024:
| Rank | Player | Earnings (USD) | Earnings (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D Gukesh | $1,577,842 | ₹13.6 crore |
| 2 | Ding Liren | $1,183,600 | ₹10.2 crore |
| 3 | Hikaru Nakamura | $845,000 | ₹7.2 crore |
| 4 | Magnus Carlsen | $633,639 | ₹5.4 crore |
| 9 | Praggnanandhaa | $202,136 | ₹1.7 crore |
This surge in earnings reflects not only individual brilliance but also the increasing popularity and commercialization of chess worldwide.
With D Gukesh leading the charge, Indian chess is at an all time high. His record-breaking year has set a benchmark for young players aspiring to make their mark on the global stage.
From his historic World Championship win to his mentorship under Vishwanathan Anand, Gukesh’s journey is a beacon of hope and inspiration for India’s sporting future. As he continues to scale new heights, the future of Indian chess looks brighter than ever.
FAQs
Who is D Gukesh?
D Gukesh is an Indian chess prodigy who became the youngest World Chess Champion in 2024 at the age of 18
How much prize money did D Gukesh earn in 2024?
Gukesh earned approximately ₹13.6 crore in prize money in 2024, including rewards from tournaments and the Tamil Nadu government
