Gukesh, also known as Dommaraju Gukesh, is a rising star in the world of chess. He is one of the youngest chess grandmasters in history.
Gukesh earned the grandmaster title at just 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days old, making him the second youngest ever to achieve this feat.
Known for his sharp moves and calm demeanour, Gukesh has made a mark on the international chess scene. He has represented India in major tournaments and won several prestigious titles.
Last year, he made history by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion at the age of 18. He achieved this remarkable feat by defeating China's Ding Liren in the final game of the championship on December 12, 2024, with a score of 7.5-6.5.
Recently, D. Gukesh triumphed over World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen at Norway Chess. He clinched the title of youngest undisputed World Chess Champion, a feat previously held by the legendary Garry Kasparov.
After a gripping 14-game battle against China's Ding Liren in Singapore, Gukesh emerged victorious with a 7.5 to 6.5 score. This historic win not only etched his name among chess's greatest but also brought him immense global recognition and lucrative endorsement opportunities.
See More| Complete List of World Chess Champions from 1886 till 2024
Who is D. Gukesh?
Source: GQ India
Gukesh Dommaraju, commonly known as D. Gukesh, is an Indian chess grandmaster who recently made headlines by becoming the youngest-ever World Chess Champion at the age of 18.
Early Life and Education
Born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, India, Gukesh comes from a family with a strong educational background; his father is an ENT surgeon and his mother is a microbiologist.
He began playing chess at the age of seven, which is relatively late compared to many chess prodigies.
His introduction to chess was facilitated by his school, part of the Velammal group in Chennai, where he quickly developed his skills under the guidance of his first coach, Mr Bhaskar.
Chess Career Highlights
Gukesh's chess journey is marked by several significant achievements:
- Early Success: He won his first major title at the Asian School Chess Championships in 2015 in the Under-9 category. In 2018, he claimed the World Youth Chess Championship title in the Under-12 category and secured five gold medals at the Asian Youth Chess Championships.
- Grandmaster Title: Gukesh earned the title of International Master in March 2017 and became a Grandmaster on January 15, 2019, at just 12 years and 7 months old, making him one of the youngest grandmasters in history.
- Recent Achievements: In 2023, he became the youngest player ever to reach a FIDE rating of 2750 and won the Candidates Tournament in April 2024, securing his place as a challenger for the World Championship.
Educational Qualifications
D. Gukesh, the youngest world chess champion, began his formal education at Velammal Vidyalaya School, located in Mel Ayanambakkam, Chennai. He started playing chess at seven and quickly developed a passion for the game.
Academic Journey
Gukesh's academic journey was somewhat unconventional. He completed his schooling only up to the fourth grade before focusing entirely on his chess career.
Reports indicate that he did not continue formal schooling beyond this point, opting instead to dedicate his time to chess training and competitions. His early exposure to chess and rigorous training under various coaches facilitated his rapid rise in the chess world, culminating in significant achievements at a young age.
Summary of Qualifications
- School Attended: Velammal Vidyalaya School, Chennai
- Formal Education Level: Completed up to fourth grade
- Chess Training: Extensive coaching and practice from age seven, leading to rapid advancement in skills and titles.
Historic World Championship Victory
Gukesh's victory in December 2024 not only made him the youngest World Champion but also positioned him as only the second Indian to hold this title after Viswanathan Anand.
His win capped off a remarkable year that included leading India to its first-ever gold medal at the Chess Olympiad and winning multiple prestigious tournaments.
Following his victory, Gukesh expressed his joy and gratitude, stating that he had dreamed of this moment for ten years.
What's Next| D. Gukesh Becomes Youngest World Chess Champion, Defeats Ding Liren
What is Gukesh D Net Worth?
Gukesh's net worth is currently estimated to be approximately ₹21 crore (around $2.5 million) following his recent victory in the World Chess Championship. Before this achievement, his net worth was reported to be ₹8.26 crore (about $1.5 million) in 2025.
How much prize money did D. Gukesh win?
The total prize pool for the 2024 World Chess Championship was $2.5 million. Each player earned $200,000 (around ₹1.69 crore) for every game they won. D. Gukesh won three games, which gave him $600,000 (approximately ₹5.07 crore).
His opponent, Ding Liren, won two games and received $400,000 (about ₹3.38 crore). The remaining $1.5 million will be divided equally between the two players.
This means Gukesh's total prize money will amount to $1.35 million (around ₹11.45 crore), while Liren will take home $1.15 million (approximately ₹9.75 crore).
Also Read| World Chess Championship 2024: Schedule, Results, Winner Name, Match Dates and Time
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