World Champion #18
2024–present
India
Gukesh Dommaraju
The youngest undisputed World Chess Champion in history, at age 18.
Photo: Frans Peeters · CC BY-SA 2.0
Biography
Gukesh won the 2024 World Championship against defending champion Ding Liren in Singapore, becoming the youngest undisputed World Champion ever — surpassing the record Garry Kasparov had held since 1985.
He is part of a wave of young Indian grandmasters who came up in the years following Anand's championship reign.
Playing Style
Fearless and ambitious, with a relentless fighting spirit — known for patiently pressing small advantages in long games rather than settling for early draws.
Notable Games
Gukesh vs. Ding Liren, Game 14
The decisive final game of the match, won after Ding erred in a position that had looked drawn.
Fun Facts
- He broke a record Garry Kasparov had held for nearly 40 years.
- His championship win continued the surge in elite Indian chess talent that Anand helped inspire a generation earlier.