On Thursday, December 12, 2024, Indian Grandmaster D. Gukesh became the youngest World Chess Champion. Gukesh clinched the title after a crucial mistake by Ding Liren in the final game of the World Chess Championship held in Singapore. The error came at a time when the possibility of a tiebreak seemed very likely. Gukesh secured the title with a 7.5 score against Ding’s 6.5 by winning the last classical game of the 14-game match.
The match concluded in its fifth hour when Ding Liren’s blunder cost him the game, the match, and the crown. While the match appeared to be heading toward a tiebreak, Gukesh continued to press on and eventually defeated Ding Liren. Throughout the 2024 World Chess Championship, Ding had been trailing for most of the competition. Gukesh is set to receive the majority of the $2.5 million prize money.
D. Gukesh, also known as Dommaraju Gukesh, surpassed the record of Russian legend Garry Kasparov, who had previously been the youngest World Chess Champion. Kasparov won the title at 22 years of age by defeating Anatoly Karpov in 1985. Earlier this year, Gukesh became the youngest challenger for the world title after winning the Candidates Tournament. He is now the second Indian to become a World Chess Champion, following the legendary Viswanathan Anand, who won his last title in 2013.
Gukesh Expresses Sympathy for Ding Liren After Winning the Title
After his victory, Gukesh said, “I have been dreaming of this moment for the past 10 years. I am thrilled that my dream has come true. I was a bit emotional because I didn’t expect to win, but then I saw an opportunity and grabbed it. For me, Ding is the true World Champion. I feel sorry for him and his team. I would like to thank my opponent.”
Gukesh Becomes the 18th World Chess Champion
Celebrating his victory, Gukesh raised his arms in triumph with a smile of excitement. He said, “Every chess player dreams of living this moment, and I am living my dream.” Gukesh defeated Ding Liren in the 14th game after 58 moves in four hours. He is now the 18th World Chess Champion in history. Before Thursday’s decisive game, Gukesh had won the 3rd and 11th rounds, while the 32-year-old Ding Liren triumphed in the 1st and 12th games.