In a groundbreaking achievement for the chess world, Indian Grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju has become the youngest-ever world chess champion at just 18 years old. His victory over reigning champion Ding Liren in the 14th and final game of the World Chess Championship in Singapore marks a significant milestone in chess history. Gukesh not only dethroned Ding but also broke the decades-long record held by Garry Kasparov, who claimed the title at age 22 in 1985.

The match, filled with tension and brilliance, ended with Gukesh’s strategic precision forcing Ding into a fatal mistake on the 53rd move. Tied at 6.5 points before the final game, Gukesh showcased resilience and a bold approach to the endgame, which many believed would conclude in a draw. Instead, he seized a decisive advantage, securing a final score of 7.5-6.5 and earning a $1.3 million prize.

Reflecting on his achievement, Gukesh described the victory as the beginning of a "very, very long and successful career." He even acknowledged Ding's efforts and the challenging nature of the two-week-long championship. With dreams of reaching the legendary status of his idol, Magnus Carlsen, Gukesh emphasized that being the champion does not necessarily make him the best player yet, pointing to Carlsen’s dominance as a motivation.

This landmark victory also made Gukesh the 18th classical chess world champion and only the second Indian to hold the title, following the iconic Viswanathan Anand. The journey was not without setbacks—Gukesh lost the opening game but rebounded with critical wins in Games 3 and 11, maintaining composure through a series of intense draws.

For India, Gukesh’s triumph highlights the nation’s growing prominence in the global chess arena. Earlier this year, he led India to a historic gold medal at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest, further cementing his position as a rising star.