As the FIDE Candidates chess tournament in Toronto ends, Gukesh Dommaraju, at just 17 years old, makes history by becoming the youngest winner in the Male section of the prestigious event. His crucial draw against experienced competitor GM Hikaru Nakamura on the tournament’s final day solidified his triumph, finishing with a score of 9/14. This achievement places him alongside esteemed players like Garry Kasparov, who won the event at the age of 20 in 1984.
The decisive moment came when GM Fabiano Caruana missed an opportunity to secure a win against Ian Nepomniachtchi, ultimately settling for a draw. This turn of events allowed Gukesh D. to claim the top spot, tied with GM Nakamura, Ian Nepomniachtchi, and Fabiano Caruana who finished with 8.5/14.
Gukesh‘s journey to this remarkable victory began at the age of 12 when he attained the grandmaster title, becoming the third-youngest person ever to do so. His remarkable talent and composure in high-stakes matches have gathered widespread praise, particularly from India’s chess legend Viswanathan Anand, who congratulated Gukesh on Twitter for his exceptional performance and toughness throughout the tournament.
The next challenge for Gukesh lies in a face-off against China’s Ding Liren for the World Chess Champion title later this year. The World Chess Championship, set to take place in the coming months, promises an intense battle for supremacy in the chess world. With Magnus Carlsen stepping down as the reigning champion due to a lack of motivation, the stage is set for a new era in competitive chess, with Gukesh prepared to make a significant impact.
It’s possible that he could become the youngest world champion ever, but it depends on his performance and the competition he faces. In 2022, Gukesh had a remarkable year, improving his rating significantly and winning several tournaments, including four open tournaments in Spain. He also made headlines with an impressive performance at the Chess Olympiad in his hometown, where he started with eight consecutive wins. These achievements hint at his potential to make a serious impact on the world chess stage.
As the chess community eagerly awaits the championship match and the crowning of a new world champion, Gukesh’s rise stands as a result of his efforts, talent, determination, and the bright future that lies in the global stage.
