In a remarkable achievement that has stunned the chess world, Gukesh Dommaraju has become the youngest World Chess Champion in history at the age of 18. Born in Chennai, India, this prodigious talent has not only captured the most prestigious title in chess but has also set numerous records along the way.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Personal Information | |
| Full Name | Gukesh Dommaraju |
| Country | India |
| Date of Birth | 29 May 2006 |
| Age | 18 years |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches |
| Place of Birth | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Title | Grandmaster (2019) |
| Family | |
| Father | Dr. Rajinikanth (ENT Surgeon) |
| Mother | Dr. Pa (Microbiologist) |
| Education | |
| School | Velammal Vidyalaya, Chennai |
| Chess Career | |
| FIDE Rating | 2764 (September 2024) |
| Peak Rating | 2766 (August 2024) |
| Current Ranking | World No. 7 |
| Peak Ranking | World No. 6 (May 2024) |
| Financial | |
| Net Worth | Rs 8.26 Crore (Approximate) |
Early Life and Background
Born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Gukesh comes from a highly educated family. His parents, Dr. Rajinikanth, an ENT surgeon, and Dr. Pa, a microbiologist, ed his chess journey from an early age. Despite starting chess relatively late at age seven, Gukesh’s natural talent quickly became apparent. His educational foundation was laid at Velammal Vidyalaya school in Mel Ayanambakkam, Chennai.
Unprecedented Achievements
Gukesh’s rise in chess has been nothing short of meteoric. His current achievements include:
- Becoming the 18th World Chess Champion by defeating Ding Liren of China
- Securing the title of third-youngest grandmaster in chess history
- Achieving the distinction of being the youngest player to reach a rating of 2750
- Reaching a peak rating of 2794 in October 2024, making him the eighteenth-highest rated player ever
- Currently ranked World No. 5 with a FIDE rating of 2783 (December 2024)
Tournament Success and Medals
Gukesh’s competitive record showcases his exceptional talent. He has amassed an impressive collection of medals, including:
- One team gold medal at the Chess Olympiad
- Two individual gold medals at the Chess Olympiad
- One bronze team medal
- A silver medal at the Asian Games
Professional Career Highlights
The young grandmaster’s journey to the top has been marked by consistent excellence. His achievement as the youngest Candidates Tournament winner demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level. This victory paved the way for his historic World Championship match against Ding Liren, where he emerged victorious to claim the crown of World Chess Champion.
Financial Success
Gukesh’s exceptional chess career has translated into significant financial success. With a reported net worth of ₹8.26 crore, he has proven that excellence in chess can be financially rewarding. His income streams come primarily from tournament winnings, which have been substantial given his consistent success at both national and international levels.
Impact on Indian Chess
As India’s latest chess sensation, Gukesh represents a new generation of players who are putting Indian chess on the global map. His achievement as World Champion not only breaks age records but also continues India’s strong tradition in chess, following in the footsteps of legendary players like Viswanathan Anand.
Current Status
At present, Gukesh maintains his position among the world’s elite players. His current FIDE rating of 2783 places him firmly in the top echelons of chess, and at just 18 years old, he has plenty of time to achieve even greater heights in his career.
Through his remarkable achievements, Gukesh Dommaraju has not only made history but has also inspired a new generation of chess players. His journey from a seven-year-old beginner to the youngest World Chess Champion showcases the perfect blend of natural talent, dedicated hard work, and unwavering from his family.
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