With this historic victory, Gukesh has not only secured his place in the history of chess but has also become the youngest-ever World Chess Champion, surpassing the record previously held by Garry Kasparov.
Gukesh’s triumph over Ding Liren in a gripping final match capped off a highly competitive 14-game series.
The young Indian Grandmaster, who had long been a rising star in the chess world, now holds the prestigious title at the age of 18—four years younger than Kasparov was when he first won the World Championship in 1985 at 22.
Garry Kasparov: The Russian ‘G.O.A.T’
Kasparov’s reign as the youngest world champion stood for nearly four decades, making Gukesh’s victory even more remarkable.
Kasparov, who was born in the Soviet Union, made history by defeating Anatoly Karpov in 1985, a feat that marked the beginning of a legendary career. Kasparov, known for his deep preparation and aggressive playing style, would go on to dominate the chess world for years, further solidifying his place as one of the game’s greatest players.Kasparov’s influence on the game was profound, and his groundbreaking matches—including his high-profile victories over Karpov and his famous 1997 encounter with IBM’s Deep Blue—captivated audiences worldwide. After retiring from competitive chess in 2005, Kasparov continued to contribute to the chess community through books, lectures, and exhibition matches.
His series Kasparov on My Great Predecessors and Deep Thinking: Where Machine Intelligence Ends and Human Creativity Begins have offered invaluable insights into both the game and the intersection of technology and chess.
Though Kasparov’s reign as the youngest world champion was unchallenged for decades, Gukesh’s meteoric rise has now rewritten that chapter of chess history.
Gukesh’s confession after historic win
Speaking after his win, Gukesh expressed his awe at achieving a dream he had cherished for years.
“I was dreaming of this moment for the last 10 years. I’m happy I realized this dream,” he said. Reflecting on the victory, Gukesh added, “I got a bit emotional because I was not expecting to win. But then I got a chance to press on.”
Gukesh’s triumph is not only a personal achievement but also a monumental moment for Indian chess. With his performance in Singapore, Gukesh has shown that he has both the talent and determination to succeed at the highest level.
“Every chess player wants to live this moment. I’m living my dream,” he said, as he expressed gratitude for the support from his family and mentors throughout his journey.
In his post-match remarks, Gukesh also praised Ding Liren, acknowledging his opponent’s resilience throughout the match. “To me, Ding is a real world champion. He fought like a true champion,” Gukesh stated. “I would like to thank my opponent and his team.”
With Gukesh’s victory, the world of chess has witnessed a new era, one marked by the rise of a young talent who is already making a significant impact on the sport. As Gukesh continues to carve his path in the chess world, his achievement will undoubtedly inspire future generations of players.
In the aftermath of the match, Ding Liren, the defending champion, took time to reflect on his performance.
“It took a while to realize that I blundered. I think I played my best tournament of the year. I could have done better, but it’s a fair result to lose in the end. I have no regrets,” Liren said, showing grace and sportsmanship despite the intense competition.
With the youngest World Chess Champion now crowned, the future of chess looks bright, and Gukesh’s name will forever be etched in the history of the game.
