India’s emerging star in chess, Gukesh D, is causing quite a stir! Grandmaster, 17, just accomplished an incredible feat: he became the youngest player to ever win the renowned FIDE Candidates Chess Tournament, which was held in Toronto. His path to challenge Ding Liren, the current World Champion, for the coveted title later in 2024 has been paved by this triumph.
Taking the Lead at the Candidates
Gukesh played the entire competition with remarkable poise and strategic intelligence. With an astounding nine points out of a potential fourteen, he demonstrated his extraordinary talent. He sealed the agreement with a final round tie against American chess master Hikaru Nakamura, cementing his place in chess history.
This is a really significant accomplishment for India. Gukesh becomes just the second Indian to win the Candidates, after the illustrious Viswanathan Anand. This incredible feat was accomplished ten years ago in 2014 by five-time world champion Anand.
Beyond Chess Legends
Gukesh’s victory breaks a record that was in place for more than 40 years! The record for the youngest challenger was previously held by chess prodigy Garry Kasparov, who was 22 years old in 1984.
Gukesh’s ascent to prominence in the chess community started early. At the young age of seven, he embarked on his trip and showed an immediate affinity for the game. He reached a major milestone for every prospective chess player—becoming a FIDE-rated player within six months after picking up the basics.
A Pioneer from Chennai
Gukesh, who is from Chennai, is a shining example of India’s rising chess ability. His first international success came in 2015 when he won the Candidate Master (CM) title and the U-9 Asian Schools Chess Championship.
This was just the start of his winning ways. In 2018, Gukesh proceeded to win the U-12 World Youth Chess Championship. At the Asian Youth Chess Championships that same year, he won an incredible five gold medals, demonstrating his supremacy in a variety of chess styles.
Quick climb to Popularity in Chess
Gukesh’s accomplishments in 2018 and 2019 further demonstrated his commitment and strategic skill. In March 2018, he obtained the title of International Master (IM) and a little time later, at the tender age of 12, he became the second-youngest Grandmaster in history. Gukesh’s achievement is still astounding, even though Abhimanyu Mishra eventually broke this record.
Gukesh performed admirably at the 44th Chess Olympiad, which was held in Chennai in 2022. In addition to winning a gold medal individually, he was a key figure in helping India place third overall. He became the third-youngest player to break the 2700 rating, solidifying his place among the world’s best chess players.
Anand Mahindra commends Gukesh D.
Anand Mahindra, an Indian business titan, also expressed his congratulations on social media. Mahindra quoted Magnus Carlsen’s prediction for the #candidates2024, emphasising Gukesh’s rapid development:
Viswanathan Anand Best wishes to Gukesh D
As a result of Gukesh’s historic victory, Viswanathan Anand, a chess legend, expressed his satisfaction on social media. Anand praised Gukesh for his outstanding pressure-management skills during the competition and congratulated him on becoming the youngest challenger.
Gukesh is expected to have an eventful road to the 2024 World Chess Championship. The current champion, Ding Liren, will present a challenge to the youthful prodigy. Gukesh will have the support of the whole country as he attempts to return the title of World Chess Champion to India!