Dommaraju Gukesh: Youngest Chess World Champion Making History at 18

A now-viral video of Dommaraju Gukesh as an 11-year-old captures a moment of incredible foresight. In an interview with IM Sagar Shah from ChessBase India, the young Gukesh confidently declares, “I want to become the youngest chess champion in the world.” Seven years later, he has turned this dream into reality. At just 18 years old, Gukesh defeated Chinese Grandmaster Ding Liren to become the youngest world chess champion, surpassing Garry Kasparov’s longstanding record.

From the way Gukesh strides into the playing hall to his calm, meditative focus at the chessboard, his composure is unmistakable. During the World Chess Championship in Singapore, Gukesh displayed a mental strength far beyond his years, shutting out distractions and minimizing social media usage to focus on his ultimate goal.

His coach, Grandmaster Vishnu Prasanna, described Gukesh as unusually driven from a young age. “At just 11, he showed an obsession with chess unlike anyone else,” Vishnu shared. Gukesh’s single-minded dedication has been the cornerstone of his rise in the world of chess.

The championship against Ding Liren was a grueling test of mental and physical endurance, spanning three intense weeks. Despite losing the first game and facing other setbacks, including a defeat after gaining a lead in game 11, Gukesh remained undeterred. His response was to arrive early for game 13, signaling his readiness for a fierce fight.

On the chessboard, Gukesh’s playing style reflects youthful optimism and audacity. He frequently declined draws, even when his opponent had the upper hand. Meanwhile, Ding Liren appeared hesitant to push for wins, settling for draws in multiple games where he held an advantage.

Chess experts have long recognized Gukesh’s extraordinary potential. Susan Polgar, a former world champion, predicted that Gukesh would outshine his contemporaries, including India’s rising stars Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa. “He possesses rare intangibles that set him apart,” Polgar stated, adding that with a few adjustments, Gukesh could dominate the chess world for years to come.

Gukesh’s achievements already include becoming India’s youngest Grandmaster and the youngest-ever winner of the Candidates Tournament. He also ended Viswanathan Anand’s 36-year reign as India’s top-ranked chess player, solidifying his place in Indian chess history.

The world chess championship lineage, which dates back to 1886, includes legends like Bobby Fischer, Garry Kasparov, and Magnus Carlsen. Yet, Gukesh’s victory stands out—no other player has claimed the title as a teenager.

As the youngest chess world champion, Gukesh has not only fulfilled his childhood ambition but also cemented his status as a once-in-a-generation talent. With his unyielding focus and unmatched skill, Gukesh’s reign as a chess powerhouse is just beginning.

Image Credits: Republic World

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