India's Gukesh Dommaraju, the youngest grandmaster and world chess champion at 18, discussed his path to victory and challenges ahead in a recent interview. He highlighted key moments from the 2024 World Chess Championship and his early start in the game. Gukesh also shared thoughts on pressure, playing style, and chess's popularity in Tamil Nadu.
Gukesh Dommaraju became India's youngest chess grandmaster and the world's youngest world champion at just 18 years old. Starting chess at age 7 after watching family members play, he transformed from a hyperactive child into a calm strategist through meditation and dedicated practice. His coach, Grand Master Vishnu Prasanna, initially banned chess engines to foster independent skills, though Gukesh now uses them for analysis.
In 2024, Gukesh won an individual gold medal at the 44th Chess Olympiad, becoming India's top-rated player and ending Vishwanathan Anand's 37-year record. Later that year, he challenged Ding Liren in the World Chess Championship. "It was a very big win for me, especially because Ding Liren is a formidable opponent," Gukesh said. He lost the first game but secured victory in Game 3, capitalized on a blunder in Game 11, and clinched the title in Game 14. "It was a beautiful moment for me, and I felt that I had finally achieved what I wanted out of chess."
Gukesh views Magnus Carlsson as his toughest opponent, a former champion and one of the greatest players. He defeated Carlsson in classical format at the Norway Chess 2025 tournament and, on his 19th birthday on May 29, 2025, beat World No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura in 42 moves. His favorite game was at the 2024 Olympiad against a top Chinese grandmaster, contributing to India's win over China.
Describing his reactive style, Gukesh emphasized careful calculation and staying calm under pressure to avoid blunders and secure incremental gains. On January 17, 2025, he received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award from President Droupadi Murmu, becoming the youngest recipient. He noted increased expectations post-championship but stressed adapting and giving one's best.
In Tamil Nadu, chess thrives due to inspirations like Vishwanathan Anand and numerous grandmasters, with informal tournaments common. Gukesh urged young people to play for its benefits in problem-solving and decision-making. He expressed delight at being named Titan of the Year, with a limited-edition watch featuring chess motifs honoring his achievement.
