New Delhi: Indian Grandmaster D. Gukesh(Dommaraju Gukesh) made history on Thursday by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, defeating China’s Ding Liren in the finals of the World Chess Championship in Singapore.
At just 18, Gukesh has become the youngest chess champion in history. He is also the second Indian, after Vishwanathan Anand, to secure the prestigious title. Gukesh defeated Ding Liren with a 7.5-6.5 score in a challenging 14-match series that tested his mental fortitude.
The official X handle of FIDE announced, “Gukesh D is the YOUNGEST WORLD CHAMPION in history!” Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with several other leaders, extended their congratulations to Gukesh for this extraordinary accomplishment.
The World Chess Championship is the most prestigious event in competitive chess, where the world’s top players compete for the coveted title. The championship has been held since 1886, showcasing intense strategic battles. Before D. Gukesh, the youngest World Chess Champion was Bobby Fischer of the United States, who won the title in 1972 at the age of 29. Gukesh’s victory in 2024 at 18 years old made him the youngest ever to achieve this feat.
On X, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, “Congratulations to Gukesh D on his remarkable accomplishment. This is the result of his unparalleled talent, hard work and unwavering determination. His triumph has not only etched his name in the annals of chess history but has also inspired millions of young minds to dream big and pursue excellence. My best wishes for his future endeavours.”
The total prize pool for the 2024 World Chess Championship is set at $2.5 million, approximately ₹20.75 crore.
According to FIDE’s rules, players receive $200,000 (roughly ₹1.68 crore) for each win, with the remaining prize money being equally divided between the two competitors.
Gukesh won three games—Games 3, 11, and 14—earning $600,000, approximately ₹5.04 crore.
Meanwhile, Liren won Games 1 and 2, earning $400,000, around ₹3.36 crore.
The remaining $1.5 million was equally divided between Gukesh and Ding.
As a result, Gukesh’s total earnings amounted to $1.35 million, around ₹11.34 crore, while Ding earned $1.15 million, roughly ₹9.66 crore.
