In an extraordinary showdown, Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh became the youngest ever World Chess Champion at the age of 18, defeating reigning title-holder Ding Liren of China in the final game of a thrilling 14-game match. Gukesh clinched the victory with 7.5 points, edging out Liren, who secured 6.5 points, after a gripping 14th game that lasted four hours and ended with 58 moves.
The match, which seemed headed for a draw for most of its course, concluded with Gukesh’s win in the last classical time control game. As the new World Chess Champion, Gukesh will take home a major portion of the USD 2.5 million prize purse.
The reserved teenager, who is known for his poker face during games, broke into a wide grin and raised his arms in celebration following his victory, marking a moment of triumph that contrasted with his typically calm demeanor.
Before Gukesh’s historic win, Russia’s Garry Kasparov held the record as the youngest World Chess Champion, having claimed the title at 22 years of age in 1985. Gukesh’s victory also makes him only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to win the prestigious title. Anand, a five-time world champion, held the title until 2013, when he lost to Magnus Carlsen.
Gukesh’s victory came after a highly competitive match, where he had already won the third and 11th rounds. Liren, aged 32, had emerged victorious in the opening and 12th games. The remaining games were drawn.
This win also solidifies Gukesh’s status as the 18th World Chess Champion in history. Had the final game ended in a draw, the winner would have been decided in shorter tie-breaks scheduled for Friday.
Gukesh’s victory is a monumental achievement in the world of chess, marking the arrival of a new prodigy on the global stage.
