Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh, 18, secured the World Chess Championship title on Thursday when he beat reigning champion Ding Liren in Singapore. He achieved this victory by clinching the last and final classical game.
Announcing the development, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) announced on X that Gukesh had become “the YOUNGEST WORLD CHAMPION in history”. This followed Ding’s resignation in a gripping endgame that many anticipated would conclude in a draw.
Overcome with emotion, Gukesh burst into tears, burying his face in his hands upon realising his new title.
Liren, 32, slumped over the table after noticing a critical endgame blunder. This mistake provided Gukesh with the winning opportunity.
The viewing rooms near the playing arena erupted in cheers. Jubilant fans, comprising many Indians who had travelled to witness the match and local Singaporeans of Indian descent, celebrated Gukesh’s victory.
Gukesh’s win surpasses the previous record held by Russia’s Garry Kasparov, who claimed the title at 22. Gukesh has achieved this feat at the age of 18.
He has become the second Indian to hold the World Chess Championship title, following in the footsteps of five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand.
Gukesh’s victory in game 14 resulted in a final score of 7.5 against Ding’s 6.5. This cemented his exceptional rise to chess stardom. He had already become the youngest-ever challenger for the world championship.
How much prize money did D Gukesh win?
Each classical game victory in the $2.5 million World Chess Championship 2024 was worth $200,000 (approximately Rs 1.69 crore). By winning three games, Gukesh pocketed $600,000 (approx Rs 5.07 crore) outrightly. Liren, by winning two games, won $400,000 (approx Rs 3.38 crore).
The remaining $1.5 million in prize money will be split equally between the two opponents.
That would take Gukesh’s prize money to $1.35 million (approx Rs 11.45 crore) and $1.15 million (approx Rs 9.75 crore) for Liren.
