Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh made history on Thursday by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion at just 18 years old. Gukesh triumphed over China's reigning champion Ding Liren in a thrilling final game of the 2024 World Chess Championship held in Singapore. Securing victory in the 14th game of the match, Gukesh achieved 7.5 points to Ding's 6.5, claiming the title and a significant share of the $2.5 million prize purse.

The final game was a tense battle of wits, lasting 58 moves over four hours. Initially appearing destined for a draw, Gukesh's strategic precision ultimately secured him the decisive win. As the match concluded, the typically stoic teenager celebrated with a rare, wide grin and raised arms, marking a momentous occasion in his budding career.

Gukesh's victory breaks a longstanding record held by Russian legend Garry Kasparov, who became the youngest World Chess Champion at 22 in 1985 by defeating Anatoly Karpov. Gukesh also becomes the second Indian to hold the prestigious title, following in the footsteps of five-time champion Viswanathan Anand, who last won the title in 2013.

Gukesh entered the championship as the youngest challenger in history, having secured his spot by winning the Candidates Tournament earlier this year. Throughout the match, Gukesh showcased exceptional skill, winning the third and 11th games before clinching the title in the final round. Ding Liren, 32, had previously taken the first and 12th games, setting up a high-stakes finale.

Had the final game ended in a draw, the championship would have been decided through rapid tiebreak matches. However, Gukesh's clinical performance left no need for such measures, solidifying his place in chess history as the 18th World Chess Champion.

Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh made history on Thursday by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion at just 18 years old. Gukesh triumphed over China's reigning champion Ding Liren in a thrilling final game of the 2024 World Chess Championship held in Singapore. Securing victory in the 14th game of the match, Gukesh achieved 7.5 points to Ding's 6.5, claiming the title and a significant share of the $2.5 million prize purse.

The final game was a tense battle of wits, lasting 58 moves over four hours. Initially appearing destined for a draw, Gukesh's strategic precision ultimately secured him the decisive win. As the match concluded, the typically stoic teenager celebrated with a rare, wide grin and raised arms, marking a momentous occasion in his budding career.

Gukesh's victory breaks a longstanding record held by Russian legend Garry Kasparov, who became the youngest World Chess Champion at 22 in 1985 by defeating Anatoly Karpov. Gukesh also becomes the second Indian to hold the prestigious title, following in the footsteps of five-time champion Viswanathan Anand, who last won the title in 2013.

Gukesh entered the championship as the youngest challenger in history, having secured his spot by winning the Candidates Tournament earlier this year. Throughout the match, Gukesh showcased exceptional skill, winning the third and 11th games before clinching the title in the final round. Ding Liren, 32, had previously taken the first and 12th games, setting up a high-stakes finale.

Had the final game ended in a draw, the championship would have been decided through rapid tiebreak matches. However, Gukesh's clinical performance left no need for such measures, solidifying his place in chess history as the 18th World Chess Champion.