12/12/2024 – In a historic conclusion to the World Chess Championship in Singapore, 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju defeated reigning champion Ding Liren in the final game, becoming the youngest undisputed world chess champion in history. With this monumental victory, the title returns to India for the first time since Viswanathan Anand lost it in 2013. Gukesh’s triumph, sealed after Ding blundered in a technical endgame, cements his place among chess legends. The victory also highlights India’s rise as a global chess powerhouse.

In a stunning turn of events, Ding Liren blundered in a technical endgame during game 14 of the World Chess Championship in Singapore, handing victory to Gukesh Dommaraju. At just 18 years old, Gukesh becomes the youngest undisputed world chess champion in history, joining a prestigious list that includes legendary figures like Garry Kasparov and Magnus Carlsen. Gukesh’s triumph is a monumental moment for chess, marking the return of the title to India since Viswanathan Anand lost it to Carlsen in 2013.

Gukesh revealed that while Anand was not officially part of his team, the former champion supported him throughout the match, including attending a training camp and providing remote assistance. Acknowledging Anand’s enduring influence on Indian chess, Gukesh credited his parents, family and friends for making significant sacrifices, adding, “We both were crying” after his post-match call with his mother.

The new champion also disclosed his professional team, which included Polish grandmasters Grzegorz Gajewski, Radoslaw Wojtaszek, Jan-Krzysztof Duda and Jan Klimkowski, Indian GM Pentala Harikrishna, German star Vincent Keymer and South African mental coach Paddy Upton. Gukesh’s rapport with Gajewski, nicknamed “Gaju” within the team, was particularly instrumental in his preparation.

Looking ahead, Gukesh is expected to defend his title in 2026, though the chess world eagerly wonders if Magnus Carlsen, who remains the world number one, will return to challenge for the crown. Gukesh expressed his hope for a future encounter, saying:

It would be the toughest challenge there is in chess. I would love to test myself against the best player in the world.