All You Need To Know About D Gukesh, The Chess World Champion 2024

D. Gukesh is a name that is currently shining brightly in the chess world, representing India’s growing talent in the game. Born on March 29, 2006, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Gukesh’s journey from a precocious child to a world champion shows his incredible talent, hard work, and the strong support he received along the way.

Gukesh’s love for chess started at the young age of five. His parents, Dr. Rajinikanth and Padma, noticed his natural skill and gave him the support and skills  he needed to grow. Guided by his coach Bhaskar V, Gukesh quickly improved and climbed the chess ranks.

Early Successes

Gukesh’s early achievements were a sign of the great things ahead. He quickly became a strong competitor in age-group tournaments, winning many medals at both national and international levels. His outstanding performances impressed chess fans and experts alike.

A major highlight of Gukesh’s career was earning the Grandmaster title in 2019 when he was just 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days old. This made him one of the youngest Grandmasters in chess history.

A Meteoric Rise

Gukesh’s rise in the chess world continued without pause. He consistently outshone his peers, impressing everyone with his sharp tactics, deep strategies, and strong mental focus. His ability to analyze complex positions and calculate moves with precision made him stand out among young players.

In 2022, Gukesh achieved a major breakthrough by defeating the reigning World Champion, Magnus Carlsen. This surprising victory amazed the chess world and confirmed Gukesh as one of the brightest young talents in the game.

The World Championship Victory

In 2024, Gukesh made history by winning the World Chess Championship. At just 18 years old, he became the youngest World Chess Champion ever, breaking the record previously held by Garry Kasparov.

What is the Prize Money ?

The 2024 World Chess Championship had a total prize pool of $2.5 million. According to FIDE’s rules, players earn $200,000 (around ₹1.68 crore) for each game they win, and the rest of the prize money is split equally between the two finalists.

Gukesh won three games (Games 3, 11, and 14), earning $600,000 (₹5.04 crore) from his victories. Ding won two games (Games 1 and 12), earning $400,000 (₹3.36 crore).

The remaining $1.5 million was divided equally, giving each player $750,000 (₹6.3 crore).

In total, Gukesh earned $1.35 million (₹11.34 crore), while Ding took home $1.15 million (₹9.66 crore).

Gukesh's journey is far from over. With his youth, talent, and unwavering dedication, he is poised to dominate the chess world for years to come. His impact on Indian chess is immeasurable, inspiring a new generation of young players to pursue their dreams.Gukesh's story is a testament to the power of hard work, passion, and unwavering belief in oneself. As he continues to ascend the chess ladder, the world eagerly awaits the next chapter in his extraordinary career