Gukesh Dommaraju began his chess journey at the age of seven, taking three classes a week. With the support of his coaches and his own natural talent, he quickly started competing in weekend tournaments. His dedication paid off as, within a year, he was playing in weeklong rating tournaments. In 2015, Gukesh won the under-nine category at the Asian School Chess Championships, earning the Candidate Master title.
Known for his aggressive and dynamic style, Gukesh’s creativity and sharp tactical moves make him a standout player. With a FIDE rating of 2776 (August 2025), his progress is nothing short of remarkable. Gukesh Dommaraju is a rising star in the world of chess, poised to become one of the greatest chess players of all time.
Early Life and Chess Beginnings
Gukesh Dommaraju was born on 29 May 2006 in Chennai, into a Telugu family from Andhra Pradesh. His father, Rajinikanth, an ENT surgeon, moved to Chennai to pursue his medical career, while his mother, Padmavathi, works as a microbiologist. Gukesh grew up in a family that valued education and hard work. Despite this, his love for chess sparked at a young age.
From the age of seven, Gukesh's interest in chess grew rapidly. With immense dedication, he began his training, attending structured chess sessions three times a week. His natural talent was clear, and his coaches quickly recognized his potential. His parents supported him wholeheartedly, even making sacrifices to help him pursue his passion.
By 2015, Gukesh had already achieved major success, winning the under-9 section of the Asian School Chess Championships. This victory marked the beginning of his journey towards becoming an Indian chess grandmaster. Over the next few years, Gukesh’s remarkable progress continued, as he competed in national and international tournaments.
His early successes were incredible. In 2018, he won the World Youth Chess Championship in the under-12 category. He also made history at the Asian Youth Chess Championship by winning five gold medals across multiple formats. Gukesh’s determination and tireless work ethic were evident to all. His dream of becoming the youngest chess grandmaster was getting closer with each tournament.
By 2019, just 12 years old, Gukesh made history. He became the second-youngest chess grandmaster ever, earning the title at the age of 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days. This achievement placed him in the global spotlight as a true chess prodigy.
Milestone | Date | Achievement |
Chess Start | 2013 | Started learning chess at age 7 |
Under-9 Asian School Chess Championship | 2015 | Won the championship |
International Master Title | March 2017 | Completed requirements at 10 years |
Grandmaster Title | January 2019 | Became the second youngest Grandmaster in history |
World Youth Chess Championship (Under-12) | 2018 | Won in the under-12 category |
Record at Asian Youth Chess Championship | 2018 | Won 5 gold medals in various fo |
Breakthrough moment: Achieving the Grandmaster title at a young age
Gukesh’s breakthrough moment came when he achieved the Grandmaster title at a young age. His performance in tournaments and growing recognition among chess elites cemented his place as one of the youngest prodigies in the chess world.
In 2019, Gukesh made history by becoming the second-youngest Grandmaster in history, a monumental feat that earned him international recognition. To achieve this, Gukesh played 276 games in 30 tournaments across 13 countries, earning the necessary GM norms. This consistent excellence demonstrated his dedication and potential.
Gukesh also made significant contributions to India’s success in the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest. Playing on board one, he scored 9 out of 10 points, helping India win its first-ever team gold. This remarkable achievement further showcased his brilliance on the international stage.
Additionally, Gukesh’s victory in the 2022 Chess Olympiad, where he scored an individual gold medal on the first board, added another highlight to his breakthrough, reinforcing his status as one of the brightest young talents in chess.
Key Tournaments and Matches That Propelled His Career
Asian Youth Chess Championship (2018): Gukesh won five gold medals in different formats, showcasing his versatility.
Chess Olympiad (2022): Gukesh’s individual gold medal on the first board helped India-2 secure the bronze medal.
2700 Elo rating (2022): Gukesh became the third-youngest player to surpass this rating.
Surpassed Anand in FIDE rankings (2023): Gukesh became India’s top-ranked player, marking a new era in Indian chess.
Candidates Tournament (2024): Gukesh qualified for the prestigious event, positioning himself among the world's top players.
2024 World Chess Championship: In the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship, Gukesh secured three victories compared to Ding’s two, with the remaining nine games ending in draws across the 14 classical rounds of the tournament. The victory crowned him as the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion, surpassing the record once held by Garry Kasparov.
Unique Playing Style and Strategic Approach
Gukesh’s playing style is often described as aggressive, dynamic, and highly creative. He is known for his fearless approach to the game, making daring moves that put immense pressure on his opponents. His deep understanding of tactical intricacies, combined with his instinctive creativity, allows him to create complex positions that are difficult for opponents to navigate.
One of Gukesh's standout qualities is his ability to remain calm and composed, even under intense pressure. His resilience and ability to think clearly during crucial moments of the game have contributed greatly to his success. His strategic approach revolves around a combination of rapid attacks and precise positional play, making him a formidable opponent in both classical chess and rapid formats.
His early successes were a reflection of his unique style and commitment to improvement. As he continues to evolve as a player, Gukesh is likely to become one of the defining figures in the chess world.
Notable Achievements
2023 – Asian Chess Federation: Player of the Year – Won
2024 – Times of India Sports Awards: Chess Player of the Year – Nominated
2025 – Khel Ratna Award: Spectacular Performance in Sports – Won
2025 – Times of India Sports Awards:
Sportsman of the Year – Won [67]
Chess Player of the Year (Male) – Won [67]
Impact on the Indian Chess Scene and Global Chess Community
Gukesh’s impact on the Indian chess scene is immense. With his rise to the top, he has become an inspiration to countless young chess enthusiasts in India. His success has brought new attention to the game, encouraging more young players to take up chess professionally.
As one of the rising stars in the Indian chess grandmaster list, Gukesh’s achievements are a source of pride for the country.
On a global scale, Gukesh’s achievements continue to inspire players around the world. His ability to compete against the best, including Magnus Carlsen, has solidified his place in the international chess community. His growth as a player demonstrates the potential of Indian chess and its rising influence on the world stage.
In the coming years, Gukesh is expected to continue breaking records and challenging the best in the world. With his continued success and dedication, he is well on his way to becoming a key figure in the future of world chess.
Personal Life and Interests
Gukesh’s life extends far beyond chess. His hobbies and interests keep him grounded and bring joy to his daily routine.
He loves reading and explores a variety of genres, from timeless classics to insightful non-fiction. This passion for books fuels his creativity and broadens his perspective. Gukesh also enjoys hiking, which allows him to connect with nature and refresh his mind. Photography is another hobby he treasures, capturing beautiful moments during his adventures. In his free time, he plays the guitar, delighting friends and family with his musical talent.
Gukesh believes balance is essential for growth. He juggles his chess career, education, and hobbies with discipline. In his words, "Exploring hobbies and engaging in academic pursuits beyond chess helps me stay grounded and refreshed."
Educational Background and Future Aspirations
Gukesh began playing chess at seven while studying at Velammal Vidyalaya School in Chennai. The school played a significant role in nurturing his talent. It has fostered many chess champions, including grandmasters Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali Rameshbabu.
To honor his achievements, Velammal Vidyalaya celebrated Gukesh’s victory as the youngest world chess champion. The event featured dazzling laser and drone displays, showing the school’s pride in their star alumnus. As a token of appreciation, the school gifted him a luxury car, a Mercedes Benz worth over $60,000.
Gukesh aims to continue excelling in chess while pursuing his education. He believes in the power of knowledge to shape a better future.
Mentorship and Support System
Gukesh owes his success to the strong support system around him. His parents, Rajinikanth and Padmavathi, encouraged him from the start. His father, an ENT surgeon, and his mother, a microbiologist, made sacrifices to help him follow his dreams.
His coaches played a crucial role in shaping his chess career, guiding him with patience and expertise. Velammal Vidyalaya provided a solid foundation, offering resources and encouragement to achieve his goals.
Gukesh’s journey shows the power of hard work, discipline, and unwavering support from love.
Category | Details |
Playing Style | Aggressive, dynamic, creative, with a combination of rapid attacks and precise positional play. |
Impact on Indian Chess | Inspires young chess players in India, bringing attention to the game and fostering new talent. |
Global Impact | Competes with the best, including Magnus Carlsen, and showcases India’s rising influence in global chess. |
Personal Interests | Enjoys reading, hiking, photography, and playing guitar. |
Educational Background | Studied at Velammal Vidyalaya School, Chennai, which also nurtured other chess champions. |
Support System | Supported by parents (father Rajinikanth, an ENT surgeon, and mother Padmavathi, a microbiologist) and coaches. |
Challenges and Future Goals
Obstacles Faced and Lessons Learned
Gukesh's journey to becoming the youngest world chess champion at 18 was marked by significant challenges. Financial constraints and the lack of sponsorships made it difficult to participate in international tournaments. Despite these hurdles, he relied on prize money and crowd-funding to support his travels and competitions, demonstrating remarkable determination and resilience.
Balancing Chess with Academics and Personal Life
Starting chess at seven, Gukesh took a sabbatical at ten to focus entirely on the game, with unwavering support from his parents. This decision underscores the sacrifices made to balance his burgeoning chess career with personal life and education.
Future Ambitions and Aspirations for the Game of Chess
Gukesh aims to become the world's top chess player, aspiring to surpass current leaders like Magnus Carlsen. He also desires a long-lasting career at the pinnacle of chess, viewing his recent world championship title as a significant step in his ongoing journey.
Legacy and Impact
Influence on Young Chess Players
Gukesh's achievements have inspired a new generation of chess players. His journey from being a young boy with a dream to becoming the youngest World Chess Champion has shown that hard work and perseverance can lead to incredible success. Young players across the country now look up to him as a role model.
Became a World Champion
Gukesh's ascent to the 2024 World Chess Champion is not just a personal achievement but a moment of pride for India. His story is a testament to the power of dedication, the importance of nurturing talent from a young age, and the global spirit of chess. As we watch his career unfold, it’s clear that Gukesh is not just playing a game; he’s making history.
Over to you
Gukesh Dommaraju’s remarkable journey in chess, from his early start at the age of seven to becoming the youngest World Chess Champion at 18, is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and hard work. His achievements, such as winning the under-9 Asian School Chess Championship, becoming the second-youngest Grandmaster, and contributing significantly to India’s success in international tournaments, have not only solidified his status as a rising star but also inspired countless young chess players in India and around the world.
His impact on Indian chess is profound, and his journey has shown that with dedication and the right support, dreams can be realized. As Gukesh continues to break records and overcome challenges, his potential to achieve even greater heights in the chess world is undeniable. With his passion and determination, he is poised to leave a lasting legacy in the chess world, inspiring future generations to follow in his footsteps. The world will be watching as Gukesh continues to rise to the top of the global chess scene.
Want to explore more legends of Indian chess beyond Gukesh? Check out our detailed list of the Top 20 Best Indian Chess Players of All Time
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