In a world where noise often overshadows talent, D Gukesh is a refreshing anomaly. With a demeanor as calm as a still lake and a mind as sharp as a razor’s edge, the 18-year-old chess prodigy from Chennai is rewriting the narrative of Indian chess — one brilliant move at a time.
At just 18, India’s D Gukesh became the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion, earning the title of the 18th recognized champion on Thursday, solidifying his place in history.
D Gukesh Defeated Magnus Carlsen
OH MY GOD 😳🤯😲 pic.twitter.com/QSbbrvQFkE
— Norway Chess (@NorwayChess) June 1, 2025
He just defeated Magnus Carlsen, the top player in the world, in chess in Norway. Gukesh accomplished something that most grandmasters can only imagine back in December 2024. In a thrilling 14-game match in Singapore, he defeated China’s Ding Liren to become the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion in history. The ultimate score? Garry Kasparov’s long-standing record as the youngest champion was broken by a close 7.5 to 6.5 victory. Yes, Kasparov was once considered the greatest of all time, but Gukesh’s name is now inscribed with the greats.
This momentous victory launched Gukesh into the international limelight. Suddenly, sponsors and businesses began swarming like bees to honey as chess lovers worldwide were in awe. And he now has some significant money in addition to his celebrity.
Who Is D Gukesh?
D Gukesh, whose real name is Gukesh Dommaraju, was born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, India. His mother, Dr. Padma, is a microbiologist, and his father, Dr. Rajinikanth, is a surgeon who specializes in treating disorders of the ears, nose, and throat.
Gukesh, who hails from a Telugu family, picked up chess at the age of seven, practicing for one hour daily. At the tender age of 12, he won five gold medals at the 2018 Asian Youth Chess Championships in the U-12 individual rapid and blitz, U-12 team rapid and blitz, and U-12 individual classical formats.
At the 34th Cappelle-la-Grande Open in March 2017, he was crowned an International Master. Gukesh is the third-youngest Grandmaster in history, at 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days.
But it wasn’t until 2023 that Gukesh made his public debut. He achieved a rating of 2750 in August, making him the youngest player in history to do so.
Gukesh became the second Indian to win the World Chess Championship, following in the footsteps of Viswanathan Anand, who won it four times (2007, 2008, 2010, 2012).
How Much Prize Money Did D Gukesh Win?
D Gukesh had incredible success in the chess world in 2024, winning large sums of money from his victories in important competitions.
At the $2.5 million World Chess Championship 2024, each victory in a classical game was valued at $200,000, or around Rs 1.69 crore. Gukesh earned $600,000 (about Rs 5.07 crore) by winning three games. Liren won $400,000 (about Rs 3.38 crore) after winning two games. The two rivals split the remaining $1.5 million in prize money evenly. Gukesh’s prize money would then total $1.35 million, or roughly Rs 11.45 crore, and Liren’s prize money would total $1.15 million, or roughly Rs 9.75 crore.
What sets Gukesh apart isn’t just his results, but how he achieves them. He’s known for his fearless style, often opting for sharp, unorthodox openings and deep middle-game calculations that leave opponents gasping for stability. He’s not afraid to take risks, and more often than not, those risks are calculated with such precision that even seasoned Grandmasters struggle to keep up.
His game is a blend of modern theory and timeless instinct — a combination that makes him one of the most exciting players to watch in the world today.
Total Earnings In 2024
Combining his prize money from both tournaments, Gukesh earned approximately ₹13.6 crore in 2024. This figure does not include additional rewards, such as:
- ₹5 crore from the Tamil Nadu government for winning the World Championship.
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A Mercedes-Benz E-Class gifted by his school, Vellamal Vidyalaya.
D Gukesh Sets An Example For The Next Generation
Outside of the board, Gukesh is quiet and humble, showing a calmness that supporters and other athletes find admirable. He doesn’t talk as much, but when he does, his words are mature, clear, and incredibly committed. He studies the classics, trains for hours every day, and keeps improving his technique while keeping a grounded attitude that belies his meteoric rise.
Gukesh is more than just a chess star to millions of young Indians; he is evidence that greatness can be attained at any age and that, with the correct combination of drive, determination, and courage, success can be achieved anywhere in the world.
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