Meet the New Chess Master | Rising Star in the Chess World

Indian Teenager Makes History at the Age

of 18

Gukesh Dommaraju is a highly talented Indian chess player known for his rapid rise in the world of competitive chess. He defeated the defending champion, China's Ding Liren, in Singapore and became the youngest champion at the age of 18. Gukesh is the 18th world champion of chess since 1886, when Wilhelm Steinitz won the title first time.

Born on November 29, 2006, in India, he became a chess Grandmaster at the age of 12 years and 7 months, making him one of the youngest Grandmasters in history at the time. He was ambitious since he was seven at the title match between Viswanathan Anand and Magnus Carlsen in 2013. 

His progress since then has been nothing short of remarkable. With disciplined training, strategic acumen, and nerves of steel, Gukesh climbed the global chess rankings steadily, defeating experienced players and earning admiration from legends like Viswanathan Anand, who has mentored him as part of the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy.

Gukesh has represented India in various international tournaments and has achieved impressive results, including winning several prestigious titles in rapid and blitz formats. His consistency and strong performances in online and over-the-board events have earned him recognition as one of the top young talents.

Gukesh has been part of India's national chess team, contributing to their success in international team events like the Chess Olympiad. His strong performance in such tournaments has bolstered his rising star reputation. Gukesh has played against the former World Champion Magnus Carlsen in several high-profile matches. His games against Carlsen have been closely watched, as they highlight Gukesh's potential to challenge the top players in the world in the future.

Gukesh has won several prestigious tournaments, including the 2022 and 2023 editions of the 1st Chess.com Global Championship, and has achieved strong performances in other classical events.

Gukesh is very strong in endgames. His ability to convert small advantages into wins in simplified positions is a critical part of his game. He has demonstrated a high level of precision in rook endgames and pawn endgames. One of Gukesh's standout skills is his tactical awareness. He has a keen eye for spotting combinations and calculating variations quickly, which allows him to take advantage of opponents' mistakes or miscalculations. His sharp tactical vision is evident in his victories, particularly in rapid and blitz formats where tactics are crucial.

Gukesh has been part of the growing generation of Indian chess players who have been making a significant impact on the international stage, following the legacy of players like Viswanathan Anand. His playing style is aggressive and dynamic, showcasing his deep understanding of the game at a very young age.

He represents the new generation of Indian players who are challenging long-standing hierarchies in the sport. Gukesh Dommaraju is a well-rounded player with a strong foundation in all aspects of chess—opening, middlegame, and endgame—making him one of the brightest young stars in the global chess community.