The 2024 FIDE World Chess Champion had an incredible moment in chess history as 18-year-old Gukesh D from India became the youngest world champion. This monumental victory came after a dramatic Game 14 against China’s Ding Liren, the defending champion, in Singapore. The match, tied at 6.5 points each, saw Gukesh triumph when Ding made a critical blunder in the endgame, ending the classical section without needing tiebreaks.
The Road to History
Gukesh’s journey to the championship was nothing short of extraordinary. As a challenger, he faced a seasoned opponent in Ding Liren, who had claimed the world title in 2023. The 14-game classical series showcased Gukesh’s resilience, preparation, and ingenuity on the chessboard. In the decisive final game, Gukesh leveraged his time management skills and strategic innovations to pressure Ding, forcing the fateful mistake.
The victory not only marks Gukesh’s ascent to the pinnacle of chess but also highlights the growing prominence of Indian chess on the global stage.
Results of All Games
Here is a summary of the results from the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship:
| Game | Date | Gukesh (Black/White) | Ding Liren (Black/White) | Result | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | November 25 | White | Black | Win | Ding |
| 2 | November 26 | Black | Black | Draw | – |
| 3 | November 27 | White | Black | Win | Gukesh |
| 4 | November 29 | Black | White | Draw | – |
| 5 | November 30 | White | Black | Draw | – |
| 6 | December 1 | Black | White | Draw | – |
| 7 | December 3 | White | Black | Draw | – |
| 8 | December 4 | Black | White | Draw | – |
| 9 | December 5 | White | Black | Draw | – |
| 10 | December 7 | Black | White | Draw | – |
| 11 | December 8 | White | Black | Win | Gukesh |
| 12 | December 9 | Black | White | Win | Ding |
| 13 | December 11 | White | Black | Draw | – |
| 14 | December 12 | Black | White | Win | Gukesh |
Final Score: Gukesh 7.5 – 6.5 Ding Liren
Key Moments from Game 14
In the decisive Game 14, Ding started with the white pieces and introduced a few opening novelties that put Gukesh under pressure early on. The middle game saw a tense battle, with Ding trailing on the clock by a significant margin. Despite some resourceful defense by Gukesh, the game extended into a grueling endgame phase.
Under the mounting pressure, Ding made a crucial error, allowing Gukesh to secure a winning advantage. With precise calculation, Gukesh finds the best moves, forcing Ding to resign and bringing an end to an unforgettable championship match.
Gukesh’s Historic Achievement
At just 18 years old, Gukesh surpasses the records set by iconic players like Magnus Carlsen and Garry Kasparov to become the youngest world chess champion. His victory symbolizes the emergence of a new generation of chess prodigies and underscores India’s growing influence in the chess world.
This championship highlights Gukesh’s dedication and hard work over the years. His meteoric rise in the world of chess can be attributed to his rigorous preparation, strong psychological fortitude, and ability to adapt to high-pressure situations. Each game showcased his tactical depth and a fearless approach to challenging established norms, making him a formidable opponent.
Gukesh’s achievement is not just a personal triumph but also a moment of pride for India, a country that continues to produce some of the world’s finest chess talents. The 2024 World Chess Championship will be remembered as a landmark event, inspiring future generations to pursue excellence in the game. Congratulations to Gukesh D, the youngest world chess champion in history!
Explore All Games from the Championship
For those interested in reliving the thrilling moments of the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship, you can explore all the games from the event on Chess.com. This comprehensive collection includes every move, allowing enthusiasts to analyze and appreciate the strategies employed by both Gukesh and Ding Liren throughout the series.