D. Gukesh: An 18-Year-Old Chess Prodigy Who Conquered The World
Discover the inspiring journey of Gukesh, the youngest World Chess Champion. Learn about his early life, major achievements, and the impact he’s made on the world of chess.

A teenager sitting across a chessboard, calculating moves with a sharpness that leaves seasoned players in awe. That teenager? Dommaraju Gukesh. At just 18 years old, Gukesh is rewriting chess history and inspiring millions. Let’s dive into his story.
A Chess Prodigy in the Making
Gukesh’s love affair with chess began early. At seven, he picked up the game. By 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days, he became the world’s second-youngest Grandmaster. Think about it. While most kids his age were juggling homework, Gukesh was mastering the 64 squares.
His secret?
- Sharp moves.
- Calm under pressure.
- Strategic brilliance.
- It’s a winning combination that’s set him apart in the competitive chess world.
The Historic Win That Shook the Chess World
December 2024. The stage was set for the World Chess Championship final. Gukesh faced China’s Ding Liren. The result? A nail-biting finish with a score of 7.5-6.5. The winner? Gukesh.
The youngest World Chess Champion ever.
- The second Indian to hold this prestigious title, after Viswanathan Anand.
- Early Milestones That Paved the Way
- Before conquering the world stage, Gukesh made waves with these achievements:
- 2015: Won the Asian School Chess Championship (Under-9 category).
- 2018: Secured five gold medals at the Asian Youth Chess Championships and the World Youth Chess Championship (Under-12 category).
- 2019: Earned the Grandmaster title.
- 2023: Became the youngest player to cross a FIDE rating of 2750.
Each milestone? A testament to his dedication and talent.
Breaking Barriers: Education and Chess
Gukesh’s journey hasn’t been conventional. After the fourth grade, he left formal schooling to focus entirely on chess. Was it a gamble? Sure. But with disciplined practice, expert coaching, and an unyielding passion, he’s proven it was the right choice.
The Golden Year: 2024
2024 will be remembered as Gukesh’s year. Why? Because he:
- Claimed the World Chess Championship.
- Led India to its first-ever Chess Olympiad gold medal.
- These achievements? They’ve made him a global icon and a national treasure.
A Chess Star’s Financial Success
Winning on the chessboard isn’t just about titles; it’s also about rewards. Gukesh’s net worth now stands at approximately ₹20 crore ($2.4 million). And his prize money from the World Chess Championship alone? A staggering $1.35 million (₹11.45 crore).
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How did he earn it?
$600,000 from game victories.
A share of the championship’s $2.5 million prize pool.
What’s Next for Gukesh?
The future? Bright. Gukesh aims to:
- Break more records.
- Win more prestigious tournaments.
- Inspire the next generation of chess players.
- In his words: “The journey has just begun.”
Why Gukesh’s Story Inspires
Gukesh’s story isn’t just about chess. It’s about:
- Passion.
- Dedication.
- Chasing dreams against all odds.
The takeaway? Age is just a number. With focus and hard work, greatness is within reach.