In a monumental moment for Indian chess, D Gukesh, the 17-year-old Grandmaster (GM), has clinched victory in the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2024. This extraordinary accomplishment not only secures his position in the annals of chess history but also grants him the chance to vie for the World Chess Championship title against the reigning champion, China’s Ding Liren.
Gukesh’s journey in chess commenced at the age of seven in his hometown of Chennai. Introduced to the game at school, he swiftly showcased exceptional talent, becoming a FIDE-rated player within six months. His early triumphs included securing the U-9 Asian Schools Chess Championship in 2015, which also bestowed upon him the Candidate Master (CM) title.
The young prodigy continued to make waves in the chess world. In 2018, he claimed the U-12 World Youth Chess Championship title and garnered an impressive five gold medals at the 2018 Asian Youth Chess Championships. Gukesh’s ascent reached new heights when he attained the International Master (IM) title in March 2018, followed by the coveted Grandmaster (GM) title in January 2019, at the age of 12 years, seven months, and 17 days.
Gukesh’s meteoric rise persisted as he earned an individual gold medal at the 44th Chess Olympiad 2022 and contributed to India’s bronze-medal finish. In the same year, he crossed the 2700 rating points mark, joining an elite group of players. His achievements continued into 2023, becoming the youngest player to reach a rating of 2750 and surpassing Viswanathan Anand as India’s top-ranked player after 37 years.
With the conclusion of the FIDE Circuit in December 2023, Gukesh secured his place in the 2024 Candidates Tournament. His consistent performance and unwavering determination paid off as he emerged victorious after 14 rounds of intense competition. Now, he stands poised to make history, prepared to face Ding Liren in the ultimate battle for the World Chess Championship.
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