D Gukesh made history on Thursday by becoming the youngest chess world champion ever. He defeated Ding Liren in Game 14 of the World Chess Championship 2024 in Singapore. At 18, Gukesh is the first teenager to win the world chess title.
D Gukesh Makes History as the Youngest Ever World Chess Champion
After 13 games, the 2024 World Chess Championship was tied at 6.5-6.5. According to FIDE’s rules, a player needed 7.5 points to win the title. If no one reached that, the Championship would have been decided by tiebreakers.
With both Gukesh and Ding just one point away from victory, the final Game 14 became a crucial showdown. In the World Chess Championship, a win earns 1 point, and a draw gives 0.5 points.
Ding had the advantage in Game 14, playing with the white pieces. However, with neither player able to take control, the match seemed to be heading toward a draw. But then, Ding made a blunder, allowing Gukesh to seize the opportunity and make history.
This was Gukesh’s third win in the Championship, while Ding won two games. The remaining nine games ended in a draw.
In the press conference after the event, Gukesh said he would love to face Carlsen in a match someday. Carlsen, the Norwegian star, chose not to defend his title in 2023 after winning the World Championship in 2013.
“Winning World Chess Championship does not mean I am the best player, obviously that is Magnus Carlsen. I want to reach the level Magnus has achieved,” Gukesh said.
“Obviously playing against Magnus in the world championship would be amazing, it would be the toughest challenge there is in chess. It is up to Magnus, but I would love to test myself against the best player in the world.”
Gukesh’s Victory: The Final Tally and Prize Money Breakdown
The 2024 World Chess Championship has a total prize pool of $2.5 million. According to FIDE’s rules, a player receives $200,000 (Rs 1.68 crore approximately) for each win, while the remaining prize money is split equally.
Gukesh won three games (Games 3, 11, and 14), earning $600,000 (Rs 5.04 crore approximately) from his victories, while Ding earned $400,000 (Rs 3.36 crore) after winning Games 1 and 12.
The remaining $1.5 million will be divided equally between the two players.
In total, Gukesh earned $1.35 million (Rs 11.34 crore approximately), while Ding earned $1.15 million (Rs 9.66 crore approximately).
Tamil Nadu Announces Cash Prize for Gukesh’s Historic Achievement
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin announced a cash prize of Rs 5 crore for 18-year-old chess prodigy D Gukesh on Friday, recognizing his historic achievement of becoming the youngest-ever World Chess champion.
“Congratulations to @DGukesh on becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion at 18! Your remarkable achievement continues India’s rich chess legacy and helps Chennai reaffirm its place as the global Chess Capital by producing yet another world-class champion. Tamil Nadu is proud of you!” Stalin posted on X platform, soon after Gukesh’s victory.
Stalin personally called Gukesh to commend him for his historic achievement. “Your victory is a source of pride not just for Tamil Nadu but for the entire nation,” he said, according to a government release.
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, who also oversees Tamil Nadu’s sports development initiatives, proposed the cash prize, which the chief minister promptly approved, the statement said.
ALSO READ: Magnus Carlsen Reacts To Gukesh’s Dream Of Facing Him In The Championship
