Gukesh, 18, Becomes World Chess Champion and Teams with Google AI

Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju has made history by becoming the youngest FIDE World Chess Champion at just 18 years old. In a thrilling finale to a three-week championship in Singapore, Gukesh defeated reigning champion Ding Liren in a gripping 14-game series. The decisive moment came when Ding made a critical blunder in the final game, allowing Gukesh to clinch the title and bring the world chess crown back to India after more than a decade.

Gukesh’s achievement marks a significant milestone, making him only the second Indian to win this prestigious title, following in the footsteps of Viswanathan Anand, who won the championship in 2000. This monumental victory is a testament to Gukesh’s strategic brilliance, heralding a new era in Indian chess and inspiring players worldwide.

The championship also featured Google as the title sponsor, showcasing cutting-edge technologies at the event. After his victory, Gukesh visited Google’s booth and was introduced to Google Gemini, the company’s advanced AI chatbot. Gemini impressed attendees by designing custom chess sets based on user preferences. Intrigued, Gukesh explored its creative potential and designed a chess set made entirely out of mangoes, his favorite fruit.

The Google team demonstrated how AI can blend creativity and technology, turning even a champion’s hobbies and preferences into personalized chess sets. Gukesh’s interaction with Gemini highlighted the growing collaboration between AI and chess, opening possibilities for AI-driven innovation in the chess world.

Fans, dignitaries, and fellow players worldwide celebrated Gukesh’s victory. The historic win not only boosts Indian chess but also places Gukesh as a role model for aspiring players globally. This remarkable triumph underscores the growing prominence of youth in chess, with Gukesh leading the charge into a dynamic new era.