It is a matter of pride that Dommaraju Gukesh, now one of the world’s most prominent chess players and the current World Champion, competed in the FIDE Rated Rotary Lawyer’s Cup held in Belthangady seven years ago. At just 11 years old, Gukesh showcased his talent and determination, foreshadowing a future filled with extraordinary achievements.
Early rise to chess stardom
Born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Gukesh’s chess journey began at a young age. He achieved international recognition when he became the second-youngest grandmaster in history in 2019 at just 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days—missing the all-time record by a mere 17 days. His remarkable feat required immense dedication, participating in numerous international tournaments to achieve his GM title.
Major accomplishments
Gukesh’s rise to prominence accelerated as he consistently delivered stellar performances on the global stage:
- 2022 Chess Olympiad: Gukesh won individual gold on Board 1 for India with an incredible performance rating of 2867.
- Tata Steel Chess Tournament 2024: He tied for first place in this elite event, solidifying his place among the world’s top players.
- 2024 Candidates Tournament: Gukesh made history by winning the tournament, becoming the youngest-ever candidate to challenge for the World Chess Championship.
- 2024 World Championship: Became the 18th and the Youngest Chess World Champion beating Ding Liren.
Chess style and accolades
Gukesh is renowned for his tactical brilliance, quick calculations, and unwavering focus under pressure. He has been compared to legendary chess players like Anatoly Karpov for his “near-perfect accuracy” and ability to thrive in complex positions. Magnus Carlsen, the former World Champion, has described him as an “extremely dangerous opponent” due to his minimal errors during games.
As of 2024, Gukesh has achieved world-class status and is among the top five players globally. His determination and consistency have placed him on track to potentially become one of the youngest World Chess Champions.
The Belthangady connection
Gukesh’s participation in the Rotary Lawyer’s Cup as a child highlights how opportunities at local tournaments serve as stepping stones for emerging talents. His journey from a small tournament in Karnataka to competing on the world stage is an inspiration to aspiring young players across the country.
Gukesh D’s meteoric rise proves that dedication, perseverance, and talent can help achieve extraordinary success, no matter where one begins their journey.
