Who is Gukesh: Career, Achievements, and Net Worth
Gukesh Dommaraju, commonly referred to as Gukesh, is a rising star in the world of chess. Born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, India, Gukesh is a chess prodigy who became the youngest Indian to achieve the title of Grandmaster (GM) at just 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days in 2019. He surpassed the record previously held by his compatriot, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa.
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| 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju is the new chess world champion |
Gukesh has since made remarkable strides in the international chess scene, including breaking into the top 20 FIDE rankings as a teenager and challenging some of the world's greatest players. His sharp tactical acumen, fearless style, and consistency have earned him recognition as one of the brightest talents in modern chess.
| 18-year-old Indian GM Gukesh Dommaraju is the world champion after the defending title holder GM Ding Liren (32) from China collapsed in game 14 of the 2024 FIDE World Championship. Gukesh won 7.5-6.5, taking $1.35 million, after a game where Ding seemed to have a risk-free chance to press for a win but instead liquidated into a pawn-down endgame. |
Early Life and Introduction to Chess
- Birthplace: Gukesh was born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, a city often called the "chess capital of India."
- Family Background: His father, Dr. Rajinikanth Dommaraju, is an ear, nose, and throat surgeon, and his mother, Padma, is a microbiologist. Despite their medical backgrounds, his parents encouraged Gukesh’s passion for chess from a young age.
- Start in Chess: Gukesh began playing chess at the age of 7. His parents noticed his potential early on and supported his training under prominent chess coaches in India.
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Chess Career Highlights
1. Becoming a Grandmaster (2019)
- At 12 years and 7 months, Gukesh became the second-youngest Grandmaster in the world at that time, narrowly missing Sergey Karjakin's all-time record by just 17 days.
- He earned his GM title after meeting all FIDE norms, including a spectacular performance at the 17th Delhi International Open Grandmaster Tournament.
2. Breakthrough Performances
- 2022 Chess Olympiad: Gukesh was a standout performer for India 2, scoring an impressive 9/11 on Board 1, with wins over elite players like Fabiano Caruana. His performance contributed to India's bronze medal and earned him individual accolades.
- Tata Steel Chess 2023: Gukesh competed against some of the world's best, solidifying his place as a strong contender in elite tournaments.
3. Joining the Elite 2700 Club
- In August 2023, Gukesh crossed the coveted 2700 Elo rating barrier, becoming the youngest active player in the top 10 of the FIDE rankings.
4. Historic Feat: Surpassing Viswanathan Anand
- In September 2023, Gukesh overtook India's chess legend Viswanathan Anand in the FIDE rankings, becoming India's No. 1 chess player. This marked a generational shift in Indian chess.
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Playing Style
Gukesh is known for his aggressive and creative approach to the game. He thrives in complex positions, demonstrating a keen eye for tactics and positional nuances. His resilience and ability to handle pressure in critical moments set him apart as a formidable opponent.
Achievements
- Youngest Indian Grandmaster (2019)
- 2022 Chess Olympiad: Individual gold on Board 1 with a performance rating of 2867.
- 2023 World Cup: Reached the quarterfinals, defeating several higher-rated opponents.
- Multiple Youth Championships: Winner of U10 and U12 World Chess titles.
- National Championships: Consistently dominant in Indian chess from a young age.
Personal Life
- Age: As of 2024, Gukesh is 18 years old.
- Education: Balancing academics with chess has been challenging, but Gukesh has managed to continue his studies alongside his professional chess career.
- Hobbies: Outside of chess, Gukesh enjoys solving puzzles, reading books, and spending time with family and friends.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Gukesh’s estimated net worth is $1–2 million, primarily derived from:
- Prize money from international tournaments.
- Sponsorships and endorsements with brands that promote chess and youth talent.
- Government grants and incentives for his outstanding achievements in sports.
FAQs
1. What is Gukesh’s FIDE ranking in 2024?
As of 2024, Gukesh is ranked among the top 10 players in the world with an Elo rating of over 2750.
2. How did Gukesh surpass Viswanathan Anand?
Gukesh overtook Anand in September 2023 by consistently performing at an elite level in international tournaments.
3. Who coaches Gukesh Dommaraju?
Gukesh has been trained by prominent coaches, including Vishnu Prasanna and RB Ramesh, both renowned for nurturing Indian chess talent.
4. What is Gukesh’s playing style?
Gukesh is known for his aggressive, tactical approach, often playing for wins in complex and dynamic positions.
5. How does Gukesh balance chess and education?
Gukesh manages both with the support of his family and coaches, often focusing on chess during peak tournament seasons.
6. Has Gukesh played against Magnus Carlsen?
Yes, Gukesh has faced Magnus Carlsen in multiple tournaments. While Carlsen often has the upper hand, Gukesh has demonstrated he can compete at the highest level.
7. What languages does Gukesh speak?
Gukesh is fluent in English and Tamil.
8. How does Gukesh prepare for tournaments?
He dedicates several hours daily to studying openings, analyzing games, and practicing with strong opponents, both online and offline.
9. Has Gukesh received awards from the Indian government?
Yes, Gukesh has been honored with several national awards, including the Arjuna Award, for his contributions to Indian sports.
10. What are Gukesh’s goals for the future?
Gukesh aims to become World Chess Champion and continue representing India at the highest levels of chess.
| Gukesh Dommaraju’s meteoric rise in the chess world is a testament to his talent, dedication, and passion for the game. As India’s youngest-ever Grandmaster and a trailblazer in the new generation of Indian chess, Gukesh has already etched his name in history. With the potential to become a World Chess Champion, his journey is just beginning. |
