Chess

The emotional moment that 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju became the 18th world chess champion 🥲🏆 pic.twitter.com/jRIZrYeyCF

— Chess.com (@chesscom) December 12, 2024

The emotional moment when 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju became the youngest World Chess Champion unfolded dramatically during his match against reigning champion Ding Liren. Gukesh, known for his calm and calculating nature, secured the title after a pivotal blunder by Ding in the final game of their 14-game series in December 2024.

The match had been tense, with the score tied at two wins each before the final game. Ding, playing white, initially had a small advantage, but both players seemed to be heading toward a draw. However, Ding made a critical mistake on move 55, offering a rook trade that unexpectedly allowed Gukesh to transition into a winning king-and-pawn endgame. This blunder effectively sealed Gukesh’s victory, giving him the title of World Chess Champion at just 18 years old.

Gukesh described spotting Ding’s blunder as “probably the best moment of my life,” echoing his childhood dream of becoming the youngest world champion. His victory marks a historic shift in the chess world, as he is not only the youngest to ever hold the title but also the first Indian since Viswanathan Anand to claim it​