Indian chess prodigy Dommaraju Gukesh emerged victorious at the FIDE candidates chess tournament in Toronto, securing a shot at the world championship against China’s Ding Liren later this year. At just 17, Gukesh became the youngest winner of the Candidates tournament by drawing with American Hikaru Nakamura in the final round, capping off a nearly three-week-long event.
Should Gukesh defeat Ding, he will become the youngest world champion in chess history. The current record holders, Magnus Carlsen from Norway and Garry Kasparov from Russia, were both 22 when they first claimed the title.
Ding Liren, the current world champion, is the highest-rated Chinese chess player ever and a three-time national champion. He secured his first world championship last year by defeating Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi.
Gukesh, who hails from Tamil Nadu in southern India, became India’s youngest grandmaster at the age of 12 years, seven months, and 17 days. The record for the youngest grandmaster is held by Abhimanyu ‘Abhi’ Mishra, an American chess prodigy of Indian descent, who achieved the title at 12 years, four months, and 25 days.
Last year, Gukesh surpassed five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand to become India’s top-ranked chess player, ending Anand’s reign as the country’s top-ranked player since 1987.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed pride in Gukesh’s achievement, stating, “India is exceptionally proud of Gukesh. His outstanding performance and journey to the top inspire millions.” Anurag Thakur, India’s youth affairs and sports minister, praised Gukesh for reclaiming India’s honor in chess and pledged the country’s support as Gukesh prepares to challenge the world champion.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar also congratulated Gukesh, promising to support him “at every move” on his journey to become world champion.
Three Indians competed in the eight-player field at the Candidates tournament, with Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, also from Tamil Nadu, and Vidit Gujrathi placing fifth and sixth, respectively. Nepomniachtchi had won the previous two Candidates tournaments.