Gukesh D Becomes Youngest World Chess Champion at 18

Gukesh Dommaraju, at the age of 18, has etched his name into history becoming the youngest world chess champion after capitalizing on the biggest blunder committed by his opponent, reigning champion Ding Liren, in the final game of the World Chess Championship. This triumph is a milestone achievement for Indian chess, as it brings back the world title to India after a decade.

Three weeks of intense competition led to this conclusion with Game 14. The championship which took place in Singapore had tie-breakers seeming most probable. However, Ding's blunder won the last round for Gukesh, thus completing his title as world champion and making him the youngest to achieve this in chess history.

India was undeniably well represented at the 2024 edition of the World Chess Championship, with three of the eight competitors hailing from the subcontinent in the men’s cycle. Besides Gukesh, Indian grandmasters Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Vidit Gujrathi strongly contested, adding to the prominence that India has given in the arena of chess.

Gukesh is now the second Indian, after Viswanathan Anand in 2000, to secure the title of World Chess Champion through this victory. It represents a success in the personal life of Gukesh, but this victory would mark the beginning of a new era for many more aspiring young players who might aspire for the highest level in the sport.

Now that he has become the youngest world chess champion, Gukesh is expected to have a big rise in his marketability as a brand ambassador. Up to this point, he has only one endorsement drawing him in as the brand ambassador for RBL Bank. This latest win will only pave the way for different avenues of the brand endorsement opportunities that he may earn, signifying his ever-increasing fame beyond the chessboard.