Celebrating Chess: The 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship concluded in dramatic fashion today at the Equarius Hotel Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore. Marking a milestone in chess history, 18-year-old Indian Grandmaster Gukesh Dommaraju defeated reigning champion Ding Liren of China to claim the coveted title. The championship, held from November 25 to December 13, witnessed a fierce battle of wits and strategy, culminating in a victory that made Gukesh the youngest World Chess Champion in history.
Gukesh was congratulated on X by eminent personalities, including the likes of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sachin Tendulkar.
Celebrating Chess
Google honoured this landmark moment with a special Doodle featuring animated chess pieces in yellow, red, blue, and white. The Doodle also redirected users to a dedicated page titled "Celebrating Chess," which described the game’s enduring legacy and universal appeal.
This gesture underscored the global significance of chess and its ability to connect people across cultures.
Gukesh's Historic Win
Gukesh’s journey to the championship title was nothing short of extraordinary. He clinched the victory after 58 intense moves in the final game, taking his points tally to 7.5 against Ding Liren’s 6.5.
This achievement broke a nearly four-decade-old record held by Russian legend Garry Kasparov, who became World Champion at the age of 22. Gukesh’s triumph also marked a proud moment for India, as he became only the second Indian to win the global title, following in the footsteps of his mentor and former World Champion Viswanathan Anand.
With this victory, Gukesh joins the ranks of just 18 undisputed World Chess Champions since the title was first contested in 1886. His accomplishment highlights the enormity of his feat in a sport with such an illustrious and competitive history.
The Google Doodle's vibrant chess animation and the celebration of Gukesh’s achievement showcase how chess continues to inspire millions globally. For India, Gukesh’s victory adds another chapter to its growing legacy in the world of chess, reinforcing the country's status as a powerhouse in the sport.