D Gukesh Wins World Chess Championship at 18

Gukesh Dommaraju, an 18-year-old chess sensation from India, won the World Chess Championship on Thursday by defeating reigning champion Ding Liren in Singapore. Gukesh clinched the title after securing victory in the final classical game.

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) announced on X (formerly Twitter) that Gukesh is now the “YOUNGEST WORLD CHAMPION” in history. The decisive moment came when Ding made a critical mistake in the endgame, giving Gukesh the chance to win.

Overcome with emotion, Gukesh broke down in tears after realizing his historic achievement. Meanwhile, Ding, 32, appeared devastated, slumping over the chessboard after his error.

Fans watching near the arena erupted in cheers. Many Indians and Singaporeans of Indian origin celebrated Gukesh’s victory.

Gukesh’s win broke the record previously held by Russia’s Garry Kasparov, who became world champion at 22. He is also the second Indian to win the title, following the legendary Viswanathan Anand, a five-time world champion.

The final score was 7.5–6.5 in favor of Gukesh. His rise to chess stardom has been remarkable, having already become the youngest-ever challenger for the world title.

Prize Money
The 2024 World Chess Championship had a total prize pool of $2.5 million. Each classical game win was worth $200,000 (approx. ₹1.69 crore). Gukesh, with three wins, earned $600,000 (approx. ₹5.07 crore). Ding earned $400,000 (approx. ₹3.38 crore) with two wins.

The remaining $1.5 million (approx. ₹12.68 crore) will be split equally between both players, bringing Gukesh’s total prize money to $1.35 million (approx. ₹11.45 crore) and Ding’s to $1.15 million (approx. ₹9.75 crore).

Gukesh’s achievement marks a new era for Indian chess, inspiring fans worldwide.

Birth and Background
Gukesh was born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, into a Telugu-speaking family from Andhra Pradesh. His mother, Padmavathi, is a microbiologist, and his father, Rajinikanth, is an ENT surgeon who moved to Chennai to advance his medical career. Gukesh attended Velammal Vidyalaya School in Mel Ayanambakkam, Chennai.

The family traces its roots to the village of Chenchuraju Kandriga, near Satyavedu in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh. Gukesh’s grandfather, Shankar Raju, was born and raised in Chenchuraju Kandriga and worked for the Indian Railways. Rajinikanth later settled in Chennai for his career and married Padmavathi there. The family maintains ties to their ancestral village, where Shankar Raju currently resides and owns property.

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