India’s D Gukesh reacts after defeating China’s Ding Liren in the 14th and final game of the FIDE World Chess Championship 2024 in Singapore on Thursday, December 12, 2024. (FIDE/Eng Chin An, via PTI Photo)
In a landmark moment for chess, 18-year-old D Gukesh clinched the World Chess Championship title, defeating reigning champion Ding Liren in a thrilling final. The victory not only solidifies Gukesh’s place in history as the youngest world champion ever but also underscores the burgeoning popularity of chess in India.
A Historic Victory
Gukesh’s triumph came after a nail-biting Game 14, where he capitalized on a critical blunder by Ding. With relentless pressure throughout the match, Gukesh forced the Chinese grandmaster to resign, sealing the championship with a final score of 7.5–6.5. This achievement dethrones Ding and breaks Garry Kasparov’s long-standing record, marking a new era in the sport.
Reflecting on his journey, Gukesh said, “I’ve been dreaming of this moment for the last 10 years. I’m ecstatic to see it turn into reality.”
He also becomes the second Indian to win the prestigious title, joining the legendary Viswanathan Anand in this elite club.
A Celebration Like No Other
The atmosphere in India was electrifying. At a live screening in Mumbai, a crowd of 200 chess enthusiasts erupted in cheers as Gukesh secured his victory. The event, held at an intimate stand-up comedy venue in Khar and organized by ChessBase India and chess.com, became a hub of joyous celebration. Party crackers, hugs, tears of joy, and impromptu dances turned what is traditionally seen as a cerebral sport into a festival of passion and pride.
Such was the anticipation that tickets for all 14 games of the championship sold out well in advance. For the tie-breaks, tickets released on Thursday afternoon were snapped up in just seven minutes—a testament to the game’s rising popularity.
Why Chess Is Winning Hearts in India
Chess’s Growing Popularity
Over the past few years, chess has seen a remarkable surge in popularity across India. Live screenings like this bring an unprecedented level of excitement and realism to the game, allowing fans to engage deeply with the sport. Attendees at the Mumbai event described it as a unique way to experience the tension, strategy, and triumph of the matches.
Role of Digital Platforms
Chess’s growth can also be attributed to initiatives by organizations like ChessBase India and platforms like chess.com, which have made the game more accessible and appealing to a younger, tech-savvy audience.
The Final Showdown: A Game of Wits
Key Moments in Game 14
The championship’s decisive Game 14 was a masterclass in strategy:
- Opening Moves: Both players opened cautiously, with Gukesh’s 1.Nf3 signaling a flexible approach.
- Middle Game: Gukesh’s relentless pressure forced Ding into uncomfortable positions, culminating in a critical mistake.
- Endgame: Gukesh’s precise calculation left Ding with no viable moves, leading to his resignation after four hours of intense play.
Reflecting on the win, Gukesh shared, “I was dreaming this moment for the last 10 years. I am happy that I realised the dream (and made it) into reality.”
All the moves from Game 14: 1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 c5 3.Bg2 Nc6 4.d4 e6 5.0–0 cxd4 6.Nxd4 Nge7 7.c4 Nxd4 8.Qxd4 Nc6 9.Qd1 d4 10.e3 Bc5 11.exd4 Bxd4 12.Nc3 0–0 13.Nb5 Bb6 14.b3 a6 15.Nc3 Bd4 16.Bb2 e5 17.Qd2 Be6 18.Nd5 b5 19.cxb5 axb5 20.Nf4 exf4 21.Bxc6 Bxb2 22.Qxb2 Rb8 23.Rfd1 Qb6 24.Bf3 fxg3 25.hxg3 b4 26.a4 bxa3 27.Rxa3 g6 28.Qd4 Qb5 29.b4 Qxb4 30.Qxb4 Rxb4 31.Ra8 Rxa8 32.Bxa8 g5 33.Bd5 Bf5 34.Rc1 Kg7 35.Rc7 Bg6 36.Rc4 Rb1+ 37.Kg2 Re1 38.Rb4 h5 39.Ra4 Re5 40.Bf3 Kh6 41.Kg1 Re6 42.Rc4 g4 43.Bd5 Rd6 44.Bb7 Kg5 45.f3 f5 46.fxg4 hxg4 47.Rb4 Bf7 48.Kf2 Rd2+ 49.Kg1 Kf6 50.Rb6+ Kg5 51.Rb4 Be6 52.Ra4 Rb2 53.Ba8 Kf6 54.Rf4 Ke5 55.Rf2 Rxf2 56.Kxf2 Bd5 57.Bxd5 Kxd5 58.Ke3 Ke5 Ding Liren resigned.
A New Era for Chess
Gukesh’s victory signals more than personal achievement; it symbolizes India’s growing dominance in the chess world. With young talents like him emerging alongside veterans like Anand, the country is poised to become a global chess powerhouse.
This historic win will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of players and fans, further cementing chess’s place as a celebrated sport in India. As Gukesh continues his journey, the world will be watching, and India will be cheering.