The Early Days of a Prodigy
Born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Gukesh showed an affinity for chess at an early age. Encouraged by his parents, Dr. Rajinikanth (an ENT surgeon) and Padma Kumari (a microbiologist), he began learning the game at the age of seven. His innate talent and sharp grasp of the game were evident, setting him apart from his peers.
Under the guidance of experienced coaches like GM Vishnu Prasanna, Gukesh’s chess career flourished. By the time he was nine, he had already made a name for himself in the national and international circuits.
Becoming a Grandmaster
At the age of 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days, Gukesh achieved the title of Grandmaster on January 15, 2019, during the 17th Delhi International Open Grandmasters Tournament.
- Grandmaster Title Achievements:
- Became the second-youngest Grandmaster in the world, after Russia’s Sergey Karjakin, who holds the record at 12 years and 7 months.
- Broke Parimarjan Negi’s 12-year record to become the youngest Indian Grandmaster at the time.
Notable Achievements
- Olympiad Success (2022):
- Played on Board 1 for Team India B in the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai.
- Achieved a phenomenal score of 9/11 points with 8 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss, earning the gold medal for the top board.
- Performance rating: 2867, one of the best in the Olympiad’s history.
- Breaking into the 2700 Elo Club:
- Achieved the 2700 Elo rating milestone in August 2023.
- Became the youngest Indian player to join the elite 2700 club, at the age of 17, overtaking stalwarts like Viswanathan Anand and Vidit Gujrathi.
- World Chess Cup 2023:
- Advanced to the quarterfinals and faced World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen.
- Became the youngest player ever to beat Magnus Carlsen with the black pieces in classical chess during the Aimchess Rapid Tournament in 2023.
- World Rankings:
- As of January 2025, Gukesh is ranked World No. 8 in FIDE rankings, making him the highest-ranked Indian after Viswanathan Anand.
- Youngest player in the top 10 globally.
- Indian No. 1:
- Gukesh surpassed Viswanathan Anand’s Elo rating in August 2023, becoming India’s No. 1 ranked player, a significant milestone in Indian chess history.
Chess Titles and Statistics
- International Master (IM): Achieved the title in 2018, a year before becoming a Grandmaster.
- Notable Elo Ratings:
- Peak Elo rating: 2758 (October 2023).
- Current Elo rating: 2754 (January 2025).
- Key Tournaments Won:
- Asian Youth Chess Championships (2018): Gold Medalist in Under-12 category.
- World Cadets Chess Championship (2018): Gold Medalist.
- Menorca Open 2023: Winner with a dominant performance.
Style of Play
Gukesh’s playing style has been described as fearless, dynamic, and aggressive, often compared to the legendary Mikhail Tal, the “Magician of Riga.” He has a knack for embracing sharp and complex positions, making him an exciting player to watch.
- Signature Games:
- Famous victory over Magnus Carlsen in the Aimchess Rapid Tournament 2023.
- A decisive win against Fabiano Caruana in the World Cup 2023 showcased his ability to outplay seasoned Grandmasters in critical matches.
Inspiration for Young Minds
Gukesh’s journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring chess players worldwide. Balancing his education, practice, and competitions, he has shown exceptional discipline and determination.
- Training Regime:
- Gukesh dedicates 6-8 hours daily to rigorous practice, focusing on strategy, openings, and game analysis.
What Lies Ahead
At just 18 years old, Gukesh has a bright future ahead. With a clear path toward competing for the World Chess Championship, he is poised to be a serious contender for the title in the coming years.
Dommaraju Gukesh’s story is one of grit, brilliance, and unwavering determination. As the youngest Indian Grandmaster to make it to the world’s top 10 rankings, his achievements already rival those of legends.
Gukesh D represents not just the future of Indian chess but a global phenomenon, inspiring young talents worldwide. His journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and raw talent—a journey that the chess world will continue to celebrate for decades to come.
