D Gukesh, a prodigious talent who has been making waves in the chess community since his early years, has now achieved a monumental feat by winning the 2024 Candidates Chess Tournament. Born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Gukesh Dommaraju, known as D Gukesh, has been a name synonymous with exceptional talent and unwavering dedication to the game of chess. His journey began at the tender age of seven, and by the age of 12, he had already etched his name in the annals of chess history as the third-youngest Grandmaster.
Gukesh’s ascent to the pinnacle of chess has been nothing short of meteoric. His achievements include winning the Under-9 section of the Asian School Chess Championships in 2015 and the World Youth Chess Championships in the Under 12 category in 2018. He also claimed five gold medals at the 2018 Asian Youth Chess Championships across various formats.
The year 2024 marks a significant milestone in Gukesh’s career. At the age of 17, he became the youngest player to win the prestigious Candidates Tournament, surpassing a record set by Garry Kasparov four decades ago. This victory not only cements his status as a formidable chess player but also earns him the right to challenge the reigning World Chess Champion, Ding Liren.
Gukesh’s triumph is a testament to his skill, strategic acumen, and mental fortitude. His performance throughout the tournament displayed a maturity beyond his years, as he navigated through the complexities of each game with precision and grace. His final score of 9 out of a maximum of 14 points is a clear indicator of his dominance in the tournament.
Reflecting on his victory, Gukesh has shared insights into his mental preparation and the support he received from his second, Gregorz Gazevsky. The chess community, including Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand, has lauded Gukesh’s triumph, with congratulatory messages pouring in from all corners.
As Gukesh prepares for the World Championship, the chess world watches with bated breath. His next goal is to make a significant impact at the World Championship, and he is determined to be in the ideal shape required to play good chess. With his historic win at the Candidates Tournament, Gukesh has not only inspired chess enthusiasts worldwide but has also signalled the dawn of a new era in Indian chess.
The story of D Gukesh is one of passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. As he stands on the threshold of potentially becoming the World Chess Champion, he carries the hopes and dreams of a nation eager to see its prodigy crowned as the king of the chess world.
