Indian Grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju, also known as Gukesh D, etched his name in the annals of history by emerging victorious in the 2024 FIDE Candidates Chess Tournament held in Toronto. This achievement makes him the youngest contender ever for the World Chess Championship title. The 17-year-old Grandmaster is now poised to challenge the reigning world champion, China's Ding Liren, for the championship later this year.
Gukesh secured nine points out of a possible 14 in the 2024 Candidates Tournament, concluding with a draw in his final round game against America’s Hikaru Nakamura. He joins the esteemed ranks of only the second Indian player, following the legendary Viswanathan Anand, to secure victory in the Candidates tournament. Anand, a five-time world champion, accomplished this feat back in 2014.
The social media erupted congratulating the 17-year-old prodigy on his well-deserved achievement. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin, too, took to the social media platform of X (formerly known as Twitter) to shower praise on Gukesh D.
“Congratulations to @DGukesh on an incredible achievement! At just 17 years old, he's made history as the youngest-ever challenger in the #FIDECandidates and the first teenager to claim victory. Best of luck in the battle ahead against Ding Liren for the World Chess Championship title,” Tamil Nadu CM wrote.
India chess legend Viswanathan Anand too posted a congratulatory message for the 17-year-old stating, “Congratulations to @DGukesh for becoming the youngest challenger. The @WacaChess family is so proud of what you have done . I'm personally very proud of how you played and handled tough situations. Enjoy the moment."
Here's More Congratulatory Reactions For Gukesh D From Around The World