in the world of chess. Gukesh became the youngest player in history to surpass a FIDE rating of 2750 at just 17 years old, marking a new milestone in modern chess. Before that, he had already crossed the 2700 threshold at the age of 16, making him the third-youngest player ever to achieve this feat.
He earned the title of Grandmaster at only 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days, becoming the second-youngest grandmaster in history at the time — a record later surpassed by Abhimanyu Mishra. Gukesh’s rapid rise through the ranks has established him as one of the most talented players of his generation.
In 2024, Gukesh achieved a historic breakthrough by winning the Candidates Tournament at just 18 years old, becoming the youngest player ever to do so. Later that year, he defeated reigning world champion Ding Liren with a score of 7½–6½, becoming the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion in history. His victory marked a new era for Indian chess, following in the footsteps of former champion Viswanathan Anand, who served as a mentor and inspiration to Gukesh.
Early Life and Background
Gukesh was born on 29 May 2006 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, into a Telugu-speaking family originally from Andhra Pradesh. His father, Dr. Rajinikanth Dommaraju, is an ENT surgeon, and his mother, Padma, is a microbiologist. Gukesh’s interest in chess began at the age of seven, when his parents introduced him to the game as a hobby.
He studied at Velammal Vidyalaya School in Mel Ayanambakkam, Chennai, an institution known for nurturing young sports talents. Under the guidance of his coaches, including Vijayanand and later Viswanathan Anand’s WestBridge Academy, Gukesh quickly showed exceptional aptitude. What began as short practice sessions a few times a week soon turned into a full-time passion as his competitive success grew.
Career and Achievements
Early Success (2015–2019)
Gukesh’s first major breakthrough came in 2015, when he won the Under-9 section of the Asian School Chess Championships. His meteoric rise continued with victory in the 2018 World Youth Chess Championship (Under-12) and five gold medals in the Asian Youth Chess Championships the same year across rapid, blitz, and classical formats.
By 2017, he had already met the norms for the International Master title at the 34th Cappelle-la-Grande Open in France. In January 2019, at the age of 12 years and 7 months, he earned his Grandmaster title, making him the world’s second-youngest grandmaster at the time.
Rise to Global Prominence (2020–2024)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Gukesh continued training rigorously online, sharpening his tactical precision and positional understanding. His impressive performances in the Chess Olympiad 2022 earned him global attention after defeating several top-ranked grandmasters.
At the 45th Chess Olympiad (2024), Gukesh won two individual gold medals, one team gold, and a team bronze medal, helping India secure a top finish. These achievements further solidified his position as one of the leading figures in international chess.
His crowning moment came later that year when he clinched the 2024 Candidates Tournament, earning a match against Ding Liren for the world title. In a tightly contested battle, Gukesh triumphed with a final score of 7½–6½, making him the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion in history at 18 years old.
Playing Style
Gukesh is known for his deep calculation, composure under pressure, and sharp tactical vision. His style combines classical positional understanding with modern dynamism, reflecting a balance between intuition and preparation. Often compared to Viswanathan Anand for his calm demeanor, Gukesh’s adaptability allows him to excel in both classical and rapid formats.
Awards and Recognition
World Chess Champion (2024) – youngest in history
Candidates Tournament Winner (2024) – youngest winner ever
FIDE Olympiad Gold Medals (2024) – two individual and one team gold
Padma Shri Nominee (2025) – in recognition of sporting excellence
Asian Games Silver Medalist – representing India in chess
Multiple-time winner at Asian Youth and World Youth Chess Championships
Legacy and Impact
Gukesh’s rise marks a new golden chapter in Indian chess, inspiring countless young players to take up the game. Seen as the natural successor to Viswanathan Anand, he represents a new generation of disciplined, analytical, and fearless players from India who have reshaped the global chess landscape.
Beyond his achievements, Gukesh is admired for his humility, focus, and sportsmanship. With his continued growth and hunger for excellence, he is widely expected to dominate the chess world for years to come.
