18-year-old Indian prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju, in a historic moment for the world of chess has etched his name into the annals of history by becoming the youngest-ever undisputed classical chess world champion.

This remarkable achievement was realized on December 12, 2024, when Gukesh defeated the reigning champion, China's Ding Liren, in a nail-biting final match held in Singapore.

The victory not only crowned him as the new world champion but also shattered the long-standing record set by Russian grandmaster Garry Kasparov, who had become the you gesture cworld champion at the age of 22 in 1985.

Gukesh's journey to this monumental victory is a testament to his dedication and passion for the game. Born in Chennai in 2006, Gukesh began playing chess at the tender age of seven. His parents, both medical professionals, recognized his talent early on and provided unwavering support, nurturing his burgeoning interest in the game. Over the years, Gukesh honed his skills, practicing diligently and participating in numerous tournaments, steadily climbing the ranks in the chess world.

The 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship was a grueling contest that saw Gukesh face off against some of the best players in the world. However, it was his final showdown with Ding Liren that truly tested his mettle. The championship match was a best-of-14 series, and Gukesh emerged victorious with a score of 7.5 to 6.5.

The decisive moment came in the 14th game, where Ding, under immense pressure, made a critical blunder that Gukesh capitalized on, securing his place as the world champion.

Reflecting on his victory, Gukesh expressed his gratitude and respect for his opponent, stating, "Ding is a true world champion in my opinion. I feel bad for Ding and his squad because he fought like a real champion. I'm grateful to my opponent." He also acknowledged the role of his parents in his success, saying, "They have a greater desire to win the global chess championship than I do."

The victory brought with it a substantial financial reward. The total prize pool for the championship was $2.5 million, with each classical game win valued at $200,000. Gukesh's triumph earned him a hefty prize of $1.3 million (approximately ₹11.03 crore), a significant boost to his net worth and a testament to the high stakes of the competition.

Gukesh's win has sparked celebrations across India, particularly in his hometown of Chennai. Fans and well-wishers have lauded his achievement, recognizing the hard work and dedication that led to this historic moment. "Gukesh's win on the grand stage of global chess has brought immense pride to his country, especially his fans. His dedication and skill have propelled him to the pinnacle of the chess world, marking a new chapter in the history of the game," said a fan named Madhavan.

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) also celebrated Gukesh's victory, acknowledging the importance of his achievement. In a post on social media platform X, they declared him "the YOUNGEST WORLD CHAMPION in history" following Ding's resignation in the thrilling endgame.

Gukesh's rise to the top of the chess world is not just a personal triumph but also a significant milestone for Indian chess. He joins the ranks of Indian chess greats like Viswanathan Anand, further solidifying India's position on the global chess stage.

As Gukesh himself put it, "Since I was six or seven years old, I have been dreaming about this and experiencing this moment. All chess players aspire to experience this moment. I'm thankful to God for helping me live this dream."