Fri Dec 13 07:50:00 UTC 2024: ## 18-Year-Old Gukesh Dommaraju Makes History, Becomes Youngest-Ever World Chess Champion
**Singapore, December 12, 2024** – Indian chess prodigy D. Gukesh Dommaraju has created history by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion at the age of 18 years, 8 months, and 14 days. He defeated reigning champion Ding Liren in a thrilling 14-game final match held in Singapore. The victory makes Gukesh the second Indian to win the World Chess Championship, following in the footsteps of Viswanathan Anand.
Gukesh’s triumph is even more remarkable considering his meticulous preparation. He credits his success to mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton, who also worked with the 2011 Cricket World Cup-winning Indian team and the 2024 Paris Olympics bronze-medal-winning team. Upton revealed that their training focused not just on strategy but also on mental resilience and managing pressure, particularly in crucial game moments. Gukesh himself spoke about the positive impact of Upton’s coaching on his mental strength.
Upton described Gukesh’s performance as “extraordinary maturity” for his age, adding that they never expected perfection in every game but focused on preparing him for all possible scenarios, including leading, trailing, and maintaining a draw. The coach revealed a weekly training regime for the last six months, aiming to equip Gukesh so well that no further contact was needed during the tournament itself.
Gukesh’s emotional reaction to his victory has also captured global attention, with video footage of his tearful celebrations widely circulated online. His win shatters the previous record held by Garry Kasparov, who became World Champion at 22 in 1985. Gukesh’s remarkable achievement solidifies his place as a legend in the world of chess.
First Piper 