In a thrilling finale at the 2024 World Chess Championship, 18-year-old Gukesh D. from India became the youngest world champion in chess history. He defeated defending champion Ding Liren in a match filled with high tension and skillful play.
The final game stretched over five hours and seemed headed for tiebreakers. However, a mistake by Ding in the final moments gave Gukesh the chance to win, and he seized it with sharp, confident moves.
Gukesh’s Preparation Pays Off
Throughout the championship, Gukesh showed great skill and preparation. In the final game, he forced Ding into tough positions by using clever strategies right from the opening moves. Ding also struggled with time management, which became a key factor in the match. By the 23rd move, Gukesh had 23 minutes more on the clock, allowing him to stay focused and keep the pressure on.
A Long and Intense Battle
The championship lasted three weeks, with both players giving their all in every match. The 14th and final game was a must-win for both, and the tension was high. As the game neared its end, Gukesh’s determination and smart decisions finally broke through Ding’s defenses.
A New Champion
With this victory, Gukesh not only claimed the world champion title but also set a record as the youngest player to achieve this feat. His win marks a huge moment in chess history and inspires players around the world.
At just 18 years old, Gukesh has proven that hard work, preparation, and calm under pressure can lead to greatness.
| List of Chess world champions over the years | ||||
| S. No. | Player | Dates | Wins | Years Won |
| 1 | Wilhelm Steinitz | 1886-94 | 4 | 1886, 1889, 1890, 1892 |
| 2 | Emanuel Lasker | 1894-1921 | 6 | 1894, 1896, 1907, 1908, 1910*, 1910 |
| 3 | Jose Raul Capablanca | 1921-27 | 1 | 1921 |
| 4 | Alexander Alekhine | 1927-35, 1937-46 | 4 | 1927, 1929, 1934, 1937 |
| 5 | Max Euwe | 1935-37 | 1 | 1935 |
| 6 | Mikhail Botvinnik | 1948-57, 1958-60, 1961-63 | 5 | 1948t, 1951*, 1954*, 1958, 1961 |
| 7 | Vasily Smyslov | 1957-58 | 1 | 1957 |
| 8 | Mikhail Tal | 1960-61 | 1 | 1960 |
| 9 | Tigran V. Petrosian | 1963-69 | 2 | 1963, 1966 |
| 10 | Boris Spassky | 1969-72 | 1 | 1969 |
| 11 | Bobby Fischer | 1972-75 | 1 | 1972 |
| 12 | Anatoly Karpov | 1975-85 | 3# | 1975d, 1978, 1981, 1984# |
| 13 | Garry Kasparov | 1985-2000 | 6 | 1985, 1986, 1987*, 1990, 1993, 1995 |
| 14 | Vladimir Kramnik | 2000-07 | 3 | 2000, 2004*, 2006** |
| 15 | Viswanathan Anand | 2007-13 | 4 | 2007t, 2008, 2010, 2012** |
| 16 | Magnus Carlsen | 2013-2023 | 5 | 2013, 2014, 2016**, 2018**, 2021 |
| 17 | Ding Liren | 2023 | 1 | 2023 |
| 18 | D Gukesh | 2024 | 1 | 2024 |