π A Prodigy Turned Champion
Dommaraju Gukesh, better known as Gukesh D, has redefined what’s possible for young chess players not just in India, but around the globe. With a relentless drive, razor-sharp calculation skills, and a calm presence across the board, he has risen from a young prodigy to the 18th undisputed World Chess Champion at just 18 years old—the youngest in chess history.
He has taken the Indian chess baton from legends like Viswanathan Anand and sprinted ahead into a new era, firmly establishing India as a dominant force in world chess.
π Gukesh’s Career Highlights
π§ Grandmaster at 12
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Achieved the Grandmaster title in January 2019 at 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days.
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Became the third-youngest GM in history, just behind Sergey Karjakin and Gukesh's compatriot Praggnanandhaa.
π World Chess Champion (2024)
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Defeated reigning champion Ding Liren in the 2024 World Championship match in Singapore.
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Became the youngest World Champion in history at 18 years and 195 days, breaking Garry Kasparov’s long-standing record.
π₯ Chess Olympiads
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2022 (Chennai): Won individual gold on board one and team bronze.
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2024: Helped India clinch both team gold and individual gold, establishing himself as the cornerstone of the national team.
π Playing Style: Calm, Calculated & Killer Instinct
Gukesh blends classical positional strategy with modern tactical sharpness. Known for:
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Ultra-deep calculation abilities.
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Calm composure in time pressure.
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Precise endgame technique.
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Ability to bounce back from difficult positions with counterplay.
He has been compared to legends like Karpov for his positional finesse and Kasparov for his will to win.
𧨠Recent Milestone: Victory Over Magnus Carlsen
In the 2025 Norway Chess tournament, Gukesh stunned the chess world by securing a classical win over Magnus Carlsen, the highest-rated player in history. This win:
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Marked Gukesh’s first classical victory over Carlsen.
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Showcased his tenacity and nerves, especially in time trouble.
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Symbolized the generational shift in world chess.
π Rating & Rankings
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Crossed 2700 at just 16 years old.
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Surpassed 2750 by age 17.
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Current Peak Rating: 2794 (as of October 2024).
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Ranked firmly in the top 3 globally.
π Awards and Honors
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π₯ Khel Ratna Award (2024) – India’s highest sporting honor.
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π Times of India Sports Awards 2025 – Sportsman of the Year and Chess Player of the Year.
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π️ Recognized by Prime Minister and national media as the face of “New India” in sports.
π Education and Early Life
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Started playing chess at age 6.
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Trained at the Velammal Chess Academy in Chennai.
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Deeply influenced by Viswanathan Anand’s career and later mentored by top Indian coaches.
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Despite his chess commitments, he continues to pursue academics through online schooling.
π The Future of Indian Chess
Gukesh isn’t just a one-hit wonder. He’s ushering in a golden generation of Indian chess alongside the likes of Praggnanandhaa, Nihal Sarin, and Arjun Erigaisi. With a deep understanding of both classical and rapid formats, he’s expected to dominate world chess for years to come.
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