Fri Dec 13 07:50:00 UTC 2024: ## 18-Year-Old Indian Chess Prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju Crowned World Champion
**Singapore** – D Gukesh, an 18-year-old Indian grandmaster, has created history by winning the 2024 World Chess Championship. Playing with black pieces, Gukesh defeated the reigning champion, Ding Liren of China, in a thrilling final match held in Singapore on Thursday. This victory makes him only the second Indian, after Viswanathan Anand, to achieve this prestigious title.
Gukesh’s remarkable journey includes achieving several milestones at a young age. He became the youngest player to cross the 2750 FIDE rating at 17 and the third youngest to surpass 2700 at 16. At just 12, he earned his grandmaster title, becoming the third youngest grandmaster in history. His talent further shone at the 45th Chess Olympiad in 2024 where he won a team gold, two individual golds, and a team bronze medal.
Beyond his championship win, Gukesh’s accolades are impressive, including numerous gold medals at junior-level World and Asian Youth Championships and a silver medal at the Asian Games. His success is attributed, in part, to the guidance of Paddy Upton, a mental conditioning coach known for his work with the Indian cricket team.
Gukesh, born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, to a Telugu family, began playing chess at the age of seven. His dedication and exceptional skill have propelled him to the pinnacle of the chess world, making him a role model for aspiring chess players globally. His win is a testament to his exceptional talent and unwavering commitment to the game.
First Piper 