D Gukesh : Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh has made history, becoming the youngest ever World Chess Champion at just 18 years old. His thrilling victory over defending champion Ding Liren in the 2024 World Chess Championship final in Singapore not only marked a monumental moment in chess history but also earned him a staggering prize.
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D Gukesh’s Chess Triumph: How Much Did the Youngest World Champion Earn in Prize Money?
D Gukesh’s Prize Money for World Chess Championship 2024
The 2024 World Chess Championship featured a total prize pool of $2.5 million (approximately ₹21 crore). As per FIDE’s rules, players receive $200,000 (₹1.68 crore) for every game won, with the remaining prize pool split between the two finalists. Here’s how Gukesh’s winnings stack up:
- Game Wins: Gukesh secured three critical victories in Games 3, 11, and 14, earning him $600,000 (₹5.04 crore).
- Equal Prize Share: The remaining $1.5 million was divided equally between the two players, adding another $750,000 (₹6.3 crore) to Gukesh’s total earnings.
In total, Gukesh took home $1.35 million (₹11.34 crore), a record-setting payout for the youngest chess world champion in history.
Ding Liren’s Earnings
Despite falling short in the final game, Ding Liren walked away with $1.15 million (₹9.66 crore), which includes $400,000 (₹3.36 crore) for his two wins in the tournament and his share of the prize pool.
How Gukesh’s Historic Win Unfolded
The final, Game 14, was a nail biting contest. Both players were tied at 6.5 points each after 13 games. With everything on the line, Ding, playing with the advantageous white pieces, seemed poised to win. However, in the endgame, Ding made a costly blunder on his 48th move, allowing Gukesh to deliver a checkmate on his 50th move, clinching the title in dramatic fashion.
Gukesh’s mental toughness and resilience were key to his victory. Speaking about his performance, he said:
“After losing the first game, I felt humiliated. It was tough to bounce back, but I stayed mentally strong. I’m happy it all worked out in the end.”
D Gukesh’s Net Worth and Earnings
Following his championship win, Gukesh’s net worth is estimated to exceed ₹12 crore, including his tournament earnings and brand endorsements. As one of India’s brightest chess stars, his success has also attracted significant support from the Indian government, which frequently rewards top athletes with financial incentives.
A New Era in Chess
Gukesh’s victory cements his place as one of the greatest young talents in chess history. He follows in the footsteps of Viswanathan Anand, India’s first chess world champion, who won the title five times. Gukesh’s disciplined approach and passion for the game have not only brought glory to India but have also reignited global interest in chess.
What’s Next for Gukesh?
At just 18 years old, Gukesh has many more years of chess ahead of him. With his historic win and significant earnings, he is well-positioned to inspire the next generation of chess players and build a legacy as one of the all time greats.
As fans celebrate his remarkable achievement, one thing is clear: D Gukesh’s name will be etched in the annals of chess history, not just for his victories but also for redefining what’s possible at such a young age.
FAQs
Who is D Gukesh?
D Gukesh is an 18 year old Indian chess prodigy who became the youngest ever World Chess Champion in 2024
How many games did Gukesh win in the Championship?
Gukesh won three in the tournament, securing crucial victories in Games 3, 11 and 14
