Move over, Magnus Carlsen! 🌍 Eighteen-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju of India stunned the chess world Thursday by defeating China's Ding Liren in a nail-biting 14-game showdown in Singapore. With this victory, Gukesh becomes the youngest world chess champion in history—breaking a 39-year record held by Garry Kasparov. 🚀
The final game saw Gukesh, playing with black pieces, capitalize on Ding's critical blunder in what commentators called a 'heartbreaking' moment for the defending champion. The win sealed the match 7.5-6.5 and pocketed Gukesh a share of the $2.5 million prize fund. 💰
Ding, who claimed the title in 2023 after defeating Russia's Ian Nepomniachtchi, had struggled with form this year. Though he briefly rallied mid-match, the pressure ultimately proved too much. Fans worldwide flooded social media with tributes to both players, with one viral meme joking: 'When your homework deadline is easier than facing Gukesh.' 😅
Gukesh’s rise mirrors India’s chess explosion 🚀—he’s the third Indian to dominate the sport after Viswanathan Anand and Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa. His win follows India’s gold medal sweep at September’s Chess Olympiad, proving the country is now a global chess powerhouse. 👑
Meanwhile, former world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen—who stepped down in 2022—tweeted: 'The kids are alright. 🔥' Could this mark a generational shift in chess? Only time will tell. ⏳
