In a country with a rich history of chess legends, a new star is shining brighter than ever. Meet Dommaraju Gukesh, India’s teenage chess sensation who’s rewriting records and inspiring millions of young players across the nation.
Here’s the story of how a boy from Chennai became one of the world’s youngest Grandmasters — and why his journey is proof that with passion and grit, anything is possible.
From Curious Kid to Chess Prodigy
Born in 2006, Gukesh was introduced to chess at a very young age by his father. What started as a casual interest soon turned into a burning passion. By the time he was just 7 years old, Gukesh was already competing in state-level tournaments, beating players far older than him.
His dedication was unmatched — long hours of practice, studying famous games, and learning from every win and loss.
Making History: Youngest Grandmaster After Anand
In June 2019, at only 12 years and 7 months, Gukesh became the second youngest Grandmaster in chess history — just behind Sergey Karjakin’s record and right after his idol, Viswanathan Anand.
This achievement sent waves through the chess community, making him a household name among Indian youth.
The Journey to the Top
Since earning his Grandmaster title, Gukesh has climbed the global rankings with incredible speed:
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Defeating world-class players in international tournaments
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Becoming the youngest Indian to cross the 2700 FIDE rating mark, joining the elite "super-grandmaster" club
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Representing India at the Chess Olympiad and World Cups
His fearless style and calm under pressure show maturity well beyond his years.
Why Gukesh Inspires Millions
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Relatable Roots: Coming from a middle-class family in Chennai, Gukesh’s story shows that talent and hard work can break barriers.
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Youth Power: At just 19, he’s proof that age isn’t a limit in the world of chess or life.
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Global Ambitions: With eyes set on the World Chess Championship, Gukesh is the new hope for Indian chess on the world stage.
How You Can Follow Gukesh’s Journey
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Subscribe to his fan channels on YouTube for match analysis and highlights
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Play online and try to emulate his aggressive, creative style!
Start Your Own Chess Journey Today!
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Final Thought
Gukesh’s rise is more than a story about chess — it’s about dreaming big, pushing limits, and the power of youth in India today. If you’re ready to challenge yourself and join the new generation of champions, there’s never been a better time to start.