18-Year-Old Indian Gukesh Dommaraju Becomes Youngest Ever Chess World Champion, Wins $2.5 Million Cash Prize

India’s grandmaster, Gukesh Dommaraju, made history on Thursday, December 12, by becoming the youngest-ever undisputed classical chess world champion.

He defeated Ding Liren 7.5-6.5 in their best-of-14 final held in Singapore.

The 18-year-old Gukesh and defending champion Ding entered the final game tied, with the match seemingly heading to rapid chess tiebreaks. However, Gukesh seized the opportunity to claim the crucial point after Ding made a mistake.

As the victory was confirmed, Gukesh was overcome with emotion and broke into tears, while Ding sat in disbelief, with his head in his hands. With the win, Gukesh became a millionaire, as the tournament’s victor takes home a prize of $2.5 million.

After raising his arms in celebration, Gukesh was escorted out of the building, where he shared a heartfelt embrace with his father, as reported by AP.

Social media clips captured the joyous reaction of fans in India, who celebrated wildly, cheering and hugging as Gukesh became the 18th world chess champion and only the second from India to claim the title, following Viswanathan Anand.

In a post-victory interview, Gukesh revealed that he hadn’t immediately recognized Ding’s mistake in the final game. However, once he realized his opponent had made the critical error, he described the moment as “probably the best moment of my life.”

At just 18, Gukesh is four years younger than legendary Russian grandmaster Garry Kasparov was when he won his first world title in 1985.

Gukesh added in his press conference: “My journey, it’s been since the time I started playing chess at six-and-a-half, seven (years old). I’ve been dreaming about this moment for more than 10 years.

“Every chess player wants to experience this moment and very few get the chance. To be one of them – I think the only way to explain it is I am living my dream. I would like to thank God first of all. This whole journey starting from qualifying to the (qualifying tournament) Candidates, then coming here, it could only be possible by God. There were so many miracles.

“And I’m thankful for all the people who have been by my side on this journey. I would like to thank each and every one of them, but probably I will have to prepare my speech first because (with) the kind of emotions I’m feeling right now I’ll say something stupid.”

India has emerged as a major chess powerhouse, with a new generation of young talent making their mark on the global stage.

Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, known as “Pragg” to his fans, made history by becoming the youngest international chess master at just 10 years old, and the second-youngest grandmaster in the world at 12.

Last year, he and his sister, 22-year-old Rameshbabu Vaishali, made history again as the first-ever brother and sister duo to earn grandmaster titles.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Gukesh, writing on X: “Historic and exemplary! Congratulations to Gukesh D on his remarkable accomplishment. This is the result of his unparalleled talent, hard work and unwavering determination.

“His triumph has not only etched his name in the annals of chess history but has also inspired millions of young minds to dream big and pursue excellence. My best wishes for his future endeavours.”

Draupadi Murmu, India’s president, said Gukesh’s win “stamps the authority of India as a chess powerhouse.”