D Gukesh: From prodigy to world chess champion at 18
D Gukesh’s chess journey began at seven years old, with his parents supporting him every step of the way. His mother and father sacrificed their careers to help him pursue his passion, allowing Gukesh to focus on honing his skills from a young age.
Gukesh’s parents, particularly his father Dr Rajinikanth, made significant personal sacrifices for his growth. Rajinikanth paused his medical career to travel with Gukesh, while his mother supported the family financially, enabling Gukesh to chase his chess dreams.
At just 12 years, Gukesh became the third youngest Grandmaster in chess history. Over the years, he continued to break records, including becoming the youngest to surpass the 2750 Elo rating, solidifying his reputation as a chess prodigy.
2024 marked Gukesh’s crowning achievement, as he became the youngest-ever World Chess Champion by defeating Ding Liren. This victory, alongside his gold medal with Team India at the Chess Olympiad, made it his most successful year.
Gukesh faced financial difficulties and lacked a sponsor throughout his rise. Despite these challenges, he relied on prize money and crowd-funding to support his travels and tournaments, demonstrating his determination and resilience.
Gukesh credits Viswanathan Anand for his success, as Anand’s guidance at the Westbridge-Anand Chess Academy during the pandemic was pivotal. Gukesh’s gratitude highlights the importance of mentorship in shaping his career.
