Gukesh Dommaraju Becomes Youngest Ever World Chess Champion at 18

Gukesh Dommaraju, an 18-year-old chess prodigy, has etched his name in history by becoming the youngest World Chess Champion, dethroning reigning champion Ding Liren after capitalizing on a critical blunder in the final game. This victory brings the prestigious title back to India after more than a decade, marking a monumental achievement for Indian chess.

The Decisive Moment

The championship, hosted in Singapore, concluded in Game 14 after three weeks of intense battles. With the score balanced and tiebreaks on the horizon, Ding’s misstep in the final moments handed the decisive win to Gukesh, crowning him as the world champion.

A New Era for Indian Chess

The 2024 World Chess Championship showcased India’s rising dominance in chess, with three of the eight candidates—Gukesh Dommaraju, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, and Vidit Gujrathi—hailing from India. Gukesh's victory makes him the second Indian to secure the world title after Viswanathan Anand in 2000.

This achievement not only elevates Gukesh’s status but also signals a new chapter for Indian chess, inspiring young players to dream of competing at the sport’s highest level.

Beyond the Chessboard

Gukesh’s historic win is expected to bolster his marketability significantly. Currently, he serves as a brand ambassador for RBL Bank, but his growing influence could attract a slew of endorsements, cementing his place as a global icon in chess and beyond.