Gukesh Dommaraju, popularly known as Gukesh D, is a name that has become synonymous with excellence in the world of chess. Born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, Gukesh made history in 2024 by becoming the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion at just 18 years and 195 days old. A chess prodigy, he is celebrated for his unparalleled calculation skills, composure under pressure, and extraordinary achievements, which have placed him among the legends of the game.
Gukesh was born into a Telugu family originally from Chenchuraju Kandriga, a village in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh. His father, Dr. Rajinikanth, is an ENT surgeon, and his mother, Padmakumari, is a microbiologist. Gukesh’s fascination with chess began at the age of seven when his parents introduced him to the game. What started as a pastime quickly turned into a passion, with Gukesh excelling in tournaments within just a few years. To support his burgeoning career, his father quit his job to accompany him to tournaments, while the family received financial help from friends.
By the age of 12, Gukesh had already made a mark on the global stage. In 2018, he won the under-12 title at the World Youth Chess Championship and dominated the Asian Youth Chess Championship by winning five gold medals in individual and team categories across rapid, blitz, and classical formats. In January 2019, he achieved the Grandmaster title at the age of 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days, making him the second-youngest Grandmaster in chess history at the time.
Gukesh’s meteoric rise continued as he climbed the FIDE rankings with consistent performances. In August 2022, at the Chess Olympiad held in Chennai, he led the India-2 team to a bronze medal and claimed the individual gold on Board 1 with an impressive 9/11 score. In 2023, he surpassed the legendary Viswanathan Anand to become India’s top-ranked chess player, ending Anand’s 37-year reign. He also became the youngest player to cross the 2750 Elo rating mark, cementing his position as a top contender in world chess.
In 2024, Gukesh achieved one of the most remarkable milestones of his career. He participated in the Candidates Tournament, defeating world-class opponents like Alireza Firouzja, Vidit Gujrathi, and R Praggnanandhaa to emerge as the youngest-ever winner of the event. This victory earned him a shot at the World Chess Championship against Ding Liren. In a nail-biting contest, Gukesh defeated Ding with a scoreline of 7½–6½, securing his place as the 18th World Chess Champion and the youngest undisputed champion in history.
Apart from his achievements in classical chess, Gukesh has showcased his versatility by excelling in rapid and blitz formats. His playing style is characterized by an exceptional ability to calculate complex positions and make precise decisions under time pressure. Magnus Carlsen has described Gukesh as an opponent who makes very few mistakes and is dangerous in any position. His mentor, Viswanathan Anand, has praised his relentless focus and calculating prowess.
Gukesh’s victory at the World Chess Championship was celebrated across India, with accolades pouring in from political leaders, sports icons, and chess enthusiasts alike. He continues to inspire a new generation of chess players with his determination, discipline, and love for the game.
With a peak FIDE rating of 2794 and a career that promises even greater accomplishments, Gukesh Dommaraju has firmly established himself as one of the brightest stars in the history of chess.