Chess is a game of mind and patience. Over the years, India has given many strong chess players to the world. One of the brightest names in recent times is Dommaraju Gukesh, also known as Gukesh D. He is one of the youngest grandmasters in history and has amazed the chess world with his smart moves and calm style of play.

This article will tell you about his journey, achievements, and why he is becoming a big name in world chess.

Early Life of Gukesh

Gukesh was born on 29 May 2006 in Chennai, India. His father is an ENT surgeon, and his mother is a microbiologist. From a very young age, he showed great interest in puzzles and board games. When he was just seven years old, he started playing chess seriously.

Chennai is known as the “chess capital of India” because many strong players come from this city, including Viswanathan Anand, the first Indian World Chess Champion. Growing up in such an environment helped Gukesh develop his skills fast.

Becoming a Grandmaster

Gukesh’s rise in chess was very quick. He became an International Master (IM) in 2018, and by 2019 he earned the title of Grandmaster (GM) at the age of just 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days. This made him the second youngest GM in history at that time.

Becoming a grandmaster is a dream for many chess players, and achieving it at such a young age shows Gukesh’s talent and hard work.

Style of Play

Every chess player has their own style. Gukesh is known for his calm mind, deep calculation, and fearless attacking play. Even when he plays against older and more experienced players, he shows confidence and maturity beyond his age.

He does not get nervous easily and often takes risks when needed. This bold style makes him exciting to watch.

Big Achievements

Gukesh has won many tournaments and titles. Some of his major achievements include:

• Winning the Asian School Chess Championship in different age groups.
• Becoming a Grandmaster at just 12 years old.
• Scoring wins against many top players in international tournaments.
• In 2022, he performed amazingly in the Chess Olympiad held in Chennai, where he won several games for India.
• In 2023, he crossed 2750 rating points and entered the Top 10 world rankings in FIDE (World Chess Federation) ratings.
• In 2024, he won the FIDE Candidates Tournament, becoming the youngest ever to do so, and earned the chance to play for the World Chess Championship.

These victories prove that he is not just a young talent but a strong competitor at the world level.

Gukesh vs. Other Indian Chess Players

India now has many strong chess players like Viswanathan Anand, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, and Nihal Sarin. Among them, Gukesh stands out because of his consistent growth and calm nature.

He is often compared with Praggnanandhaa, another young Indian star. Both have brought pride to India, and their friendly rivalry has made Indian chess even more exciting.

Future of Gukesh

The future looks very bright for Gukesh. At such a young age, he has already reached a level that many players only dream of. If he continues to play with focus and hard work, he has the potential to become the World Chess Champion.

His journey inspires millions of young players in India and around the world to take chess seriously and aim high.

Why Gukesh Is Important for India

Gukesh is not just a chess player; he is also a role model for today’s youth. His story shows that with dedication, focus, and practice, even a teenager can compete with the best in the world.

Just like Viswanathan Anand inspired a whole generation, Gukesh is now inspiring the next generation of Indian chess players.

FAQs

1. Who is Gukesh?

Gukesh, full name Dommaraju Gukesh, is a young Indian chess grandmaster and one of the strongest teenage players in the world.

2. How old is Gukesh?

He was born on 29 May 2006, so his age depends on the current year. In 2025, he will be 19 years old.

3. When did Gukesh become a Grandmaster?

He became a Grandmaster in January 2019, at the age of 12 years and 7 months.

4. What is Gukesh’s playing style?

Gukesh is known for his fearless attacking style, strong calculations, and calmness even under pressure.

5. Has Gukesh played in the World Chess Championship?

In 2024, he won the FIDE Candidates Tournament, which gave him the right to challenge for the World Chess Championship.

6. Why is Gukesh compared with Praggnanandhaa?

Both are young Indian chess stars who became grandmasters at a very young age. Their similar journeys make people compare them often.

Conclusion

Gukesh is a shining star in the world of chess. From his early start in Chennai to becoming one of the top players in the world, his story is full of hard work and success. At just 19, he has already achieved what many players dream of. With his fearless play and dedication, he has the power to take Indian chess to even greater heights.