Gukesh Defeats Ding Liren to Become the Youngest World Chess Champion Ever
 

In a match of incredible thrill and historic value, 18-year-old D. Gukesh became the youngest-ever World Chess Champion with his victory over Ding Liren from China in Game 14 of the 2024 World Chess Championship. The sensation from Chennai ensured his triumph with this tension-filled game, extended to 58 moves in length, by securing an overall score of 7.5 points to pip Ding's 6.5 points for the championship.

Gukesh’s victory is monumental for several reasons. At just 18 years old, he broke the record held by Russian grandmaster Garry Kasparov, becoming the youngest World Chess Champion in history. Kasparov, who had held the record for nearly four decades, was surpassed by Gukesh's incredible achievement. This victory also marks a historic moment for India, as Gukesh becomes only the second Indian player to win the World Chess Championship, following in the footsteps of the legendary Viswanathan Anand.

The victory is not only a personal triumph for Gukesh but also a proud moment for the chess community in India. It follows the footsteps of Anand, who was the first Indian to claim the title of World Chess Championship; and Gukesh takes after him as the second. This win places him at the elite level chess players in the world while securing his position in the book as being one of the 18 undisputed World Chess Champions who existed since the introduction of the title in 1886.

Gukesh's victory over Ding Liren also puts him in the very exclusive club of Asian chess champions, as he becomes only the third Asian to win the title. Ding Liren, the defending champion, gave a tough fight but could not make it, and Gukesh's victory is a new chapter in the history of World Chess Championship.

Gukesh's victory is a dream come true for the young prodigy, who shared his excitement, saying, "I have been dreaming of this moment for the last 10 years. I am so happy I was able to make this dream a reality." His win signals the rise of a new chess superstar and a bright future ahead for the sport in India.

Also read: Who is 18-Year-Old D. Gukesh, the Youngest to Win the World Chess Championship?