D Gukesh Net Worth 2025: Chess Prodigy’s Wealth Revealed

How the 18-Year-Old Chess Champion Built His ₹20 Crore Fortune

When 18-year-old D. Gukesh made history by becoming the youngest World Chess Champion in December 2024, he didn’t just claim a prestigious title—he transformed his financial future overnight. The Chennai-born prodigy’s journey from a middle-class family to a multi-crore fortune is as remarkable as his chess prowess.

Before his World Championship victory, Gukesh’s net worth stood at approximately ₹8.26 crore, but following his triumph, his wealth has nearly tripled to around ₹20 crore. This astronomical rise places him among India’s wealthiest young athletes, proving that chess can indeed be a lucrative career path.

The Championship That Changed Everything

Gukesh’s World Championship victory earned him a staggering ₹11.45 crore in prize money alone. The championship format awarded substantial bonuses for individual game victories, and his three crucial wins in games 3, 11, and 14 netted him an additional ₹5.07 crore.

But the championship prize money is just the beginning. The title has opened doors to lucrative endorsement deals and sponsorship opportunities that will define his earning potential for years to come.

Breaking Down D Gukesh’s Income Sources

Tournament Winnings: The Foundation of Wealth

In 2024 alone, Gukesh earned approximately ₹13.6 crore ($1.58 million) in prize money, with the World Championship contributing the lion’s share. His consistent performance in international tournaments has established him as one of chess’s highest earners.

Brand Endorsements: The Growing Revenue Stream

Reports suggest that Gukesh commands approximately ₹60 lakh per brand endorsement deal. Currently, he serves as a brand ambassador for RBL Bank, marking the beginning of what experts predict will be a lucrative endorsement career.

The chess community has historically seen limited brand partnerships, but legendary player Viswanathan Anand previously endorsed major brands like NIIT, Union Bank of India, Horlicks, Parle Milk Shakti, Vodafone, and Complan, setting a precedent for chess players in the endorsement space.

Sponsorship and Support Systems

Gukesh benefits from comprehensive support through the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy (WACA) and additional backing from WestBridge Capital. WestBridge is providing additional support to Gukesh for five years, ensuring his continued development and financial stability.

The Making of a Chess Millionaire

Early Career and Prize Money Growth

Gukesh started playing chess at age 7 and became a grandmaster at just 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days old, making him the then second-youngest grandmaster in history. His early achievements laid the foundation for his current success:

• 2018: Won under-12 World Youth Chess Championship
• 2018: Multiple gold medals at Asian Youth Chess Championship
• 2019: Achieved grandmaster title
• 2022: Silver medal at Asian Games team event
• 2024: World Chess Champion

Social Media Influence and Digital Presence

Gukesh has built a substantial following across social media platforms, with 2 million fans on Instagram alone. This digital presence enhances his marketability and opens additional revenue streams through potential social media partnerships and content creation.

Lifestyle and Assets

Luxury Purchases and Investments

The 18-year-old chess prodigy reportedly owns a Mercedes worth ₹1.05 crore, indicating his comfort with luxury purchases despite his young age. This suggests smart financial management and confidence in his continued earning potential.

The Future of Chess Endorsements

Market Potential and Brand Appeal

Brand experts believe that Gukesh’s triumph could elevate the sponsorship value of chess, a sport traditionally seen as cerebral and niche. His youth, achievements, and articulate personality make him an attractive proposition for brands targeting educated, aspirational demographics.

Industries showing interest in chess partnerships include edtech companies, banks, and IT firms, recognizing the sport’s association with intelligence and strategic thinking.

Comparison with Other Chess Players

Key Takeaways

D. Gukesh’s financial journey represents more than personal success—it signals chess’s evolution from a niche intellectual pursuit to a commercially viable sport. His ₹20 crore net worth at just 18 years old demonstrates the earning potential available to elite chess players in the modern era.

The combination of substantial tournament prizes, growing endorsement opportunities, and strong institutional support suggests that Gukesh’s wealth will continue expanding. As he defends his world title and potentially attracts global brands, his net worth could easily double within the next few years.

For aspiring chess players, Gukesh’s success story provides a roadmap: exceptional talent, combined with professional management and strategic partnerships, can transform chess mastery into substantial financial rewards. His journey from a Chennai middle-class family to multi-crore wealth proves that in today’s world, intellectual sports can be just as lucrative as traditional athletics.

Last updated: June 2025 | Sources: Multiple verified reports and tournament records

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