Gukesh becomes youngest world chess champion at 18, dethrones Liren
SINGAPORE: Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh made history on Thursday by becoming the youngest world chess champion at the age of 18, defeating title-holder Ding Liren of China in a thrilling finale. The dramatic 14-game showdown went down to the wire, with Gukesh clinching the decisive 14th game to secure a 7.5-6.5 victory.
The championship match, played under classical time controls, seemed destined for a draw for most of the final game. However, Gukesh’s tactical brilliance turned the tide in his favor, sealing his place in history. As the new champion, Gukesh will receive the lion’s share of the USD 2.5 million prize purse.
Gukesh’s triumph marks a significant milestone in chess history, breaking the record set by Garry Kasparov, who became the youngest world champion at 22 in 1985. Kasparov had dethroned Anatoly Karpov in what was then considered a generational battle.
A composed and reserved player, Gukesh allowed himself a rare moment of celebration after his win, grinning widely and raising his arms in triumph—a stark contrast to his usual poker-faced demeanor during games.
Having entered the world championship as the youngest challenger in history after winning the prestigious Candidates Tournament earlier this year, Gukesh’s meteoric rise underscores his extraordinary talent and determination.
