Gukesh D Biography: World Chess Champion Gukesh Dommaraju, Age, Height, Weight, Family, Net Worth & More

Gukesh D Biography:
Gukesh Dommaraju, commonly known as Gukesh D, is a name that has become synonymous with brilliance in the world of chess. Born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Gukesh grew up in an environment where curiosity and learning were always encouraged. His father, Rajinikanth, is an ear, nose, and throat surgeon, and his mother, Padma, a microbiologist, instilled in him the discipline and passion needed to excel. From an early age, Gukesh showed a natural inclination toward chess, quickly rising through the ranks with his sharp intellect and tireless determination. While his achievements often draw comparisons to other chess prodigies, Gukesh’s humility and unshakable focus set him apart as a rising star in the global chess community.

Gukesh’s journey to the top has been nothing short of extraordinary. In 2019, at just 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days old, he became the second-youngest Grandmaster in chess history, narrowly missing the record by just 17 days. This remarkable feat was a culmination of countless hours of practice, mentorship, and a love for the game that he developed at a tender age. His strategic brilliance and creativity on the board have earned him victories in prestigious tournaments and matches against top-tier players. Over the years, Gukesh has consistently pushed boundaries, defeating seasoned opponents and gaining recognition as a formidable competitor. His rapid ascent has placed him at the forefront of the next generation of Indian chess talents, alongside prodigies like Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa.

What makes Gukesh truly special, beyond his achievements, is his unwavering commitment to improvement and his genuine love for the game. Despite his young age, he handles the pressures of high-stakes matches with remarkable composure and maturity. Gukesh’s humility and respect for his opponents shine through, making him not just a brilliant player but also a role model for aspiring chess enthusiasts. Off the board, he is known for his quiet demeanor and relentless work ethic, constantly analyzing games and refining his strategies. With the support of his family, coaches, and the larger chess community, Gukesh continues to inspire millions. His journey reflects the essence of grit, talent, and the endless possibilities that come with hard work, marking him as one of the brightest stars in the ever-evolving chess universe.

Gukesh D: Chess Prodigy

Chess is a game that requires a unique blend of intellect, patience, and strategy. While many players take years to master the game, some, like Gukesh D, exhibit extraordinary talent from a very young age. Gukesh, a chess Grandmaster from India, has made a name for himself not only in his home country but globally. From becoming the youngest player to defeat World Champion Magnus Carlsen to winning gold medals at prestigious tournaments, Gukesh’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. This blog post takes a deep dive into his life, career, and achievements, shedding light on what makes this 18-year-old prodigy one of the brightest stars in the world of chess.

Gukesh D Biography Details

Physical Appearance

Family and Relatives

Personal Life

Early Life

Gukesh D was born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. A chess prodigy from a very young age, Gukesh’s story is one of passion, commitment, and exceptional talent. He started his chess journey in 2013, at the tender age of seven. His interest in the game quickly turned into a burning passion, and by the time he was in his early teens, he had already started to make waves in the chess community.

Interestingly, Gukesh’s family played a key role in shaping his chess career. His father, Rajnikanth, an ENT surgeon, and mother, Padma, a microbiologist, supported his chess ambitions wholeheartedly. In fact, Gukesh’s father made a significant sacrifice by stepping back from his medical career to focus on Gukesh’s development as a chess player. This decision was not easy, but it reflected the family’s dedication to Gukesh’s future in chess. Gukesh’s mother, on the other hand, continues to balance her professional responsibilities, adding another layer of inspiration to Gukesh’s journey.

Careers, Achievements, and Success Journey

Educational Qualification

A Trail of Achievements

By March 2019, at just 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days, Gukesh became one of the youngest chess players to earn the Grandmaster title, a monumental achievement that set him apart from his peers. This milestone came when he achieved a FIDE rating of 2699, a testament to his rising skill in the world of competitive chess.

Before claiming the Grandmaster title, Gukesh had already accumulated a long list of accolades that demonstrated his incredible potential. At just nine years old, he won the U-9 category at the Asian School Chess Championships held in Singapore. This victory was just the beginning of a glittering career. In 2017, Gukesh won the 31st National U-11 Open Chess Championship in Pune, Maharashtra, and continued to dominate the U-12 category at the World Cadets Chess Championship in 2018. His success didn’t stop there—he earned five gold medals at the Asian Youth Chess Championships in 2018, winning in both individual and team formats across various disciplines, including rapid, blitz, and classical.

Defeating Magnus Carlsen

One of the defining moments in Gukesh’s career came in October 2022 when, at just 16 years old, he made history by defeating Magnus Carlsen, the reigning World Chess Champion, at the Aimchess Rapid Tournament. This victory not only catapulted him into the global spotlight but also solidified his reputation as a formidable competitor. Carlsen, who had long been considered the greatest chess player of his generation, was humbled by the young Indian player’s brilliant tactics and composure under pressure.

This victory was an important milestone in Gukesh’s career, as it marked the beginning of his ascent to the top echelons of world chess. It was a testament to his skill and maturity as a player, and the chess world began to take notice of the potential in Gukesh to one day be a World Champion himself.

Gukesh’s Influence

While chess is at the center of his life, Gukesh has always maintained a well-rounded personality. Beyond the chessboard, he enjoys engaging in other activities such as cricket, badminton, and table tennis. He also enjoys reading books, especially biographies of sportspeople, which offer him inspiration and motivation. Despite his early rise to fame, Gukesh has managed to stay grounded, frequently spending time with friends and family, which helps him maintain a healthy balance between his professional and personal life.

In interviews, Gukesh’s mother spoke about his fussy eating habits at home, revealing that he has particular food preferences but is not difficult when traveling for tournaments. His ability to maintain a normal life despite his extraordinary achievements speaks volumes about his character and maturity.

Gukesh’s Achievements

Gukesh’s list of accomplishments doesn’t stop at his victory over Magnus Carlsen. In June 2021, he won the Gelfand Challenge at the Julius Baer Challengers Chess Tour, and his performance at the Chess Olympiad 2022 was nothing short of phenomenal. At the 2022 Chess Olympiad, Gukesh played a pivotal role in leading the Indian team to a bronze medal. He delivered a near-perfect performance with eight consecutive wins in the first eight rounds, only to falter in the tenth round against the Uzbek team, which led by Nodirbek Abdusattorov.

Despite the minor setback, Gukesh’s contributions were crucial to India’s success, and his performance earned him a well-deserved individual gold medal. His remarkable feat in Budapest in 2024 further solidified his place in chess history as he won the Gaprindashvili Trophy at the 45th Chess Olympiad.

The New World Chess Champion

Gukesh’s most recent triumph came in December 2024, when he became the World Chess Champion, defeating Ding Liren, the reigning World Champion, in a thrilling match. At the age of just 18, Gukesh became the youngest-ever player to hold the prestigious title, a feat that had eluded many great players in the past. His victory was not only a personal achievement but also a landmark moment for Indian chess, further boosting the country’s prominence in the global chess scene.

As World Champion, Gukesh received a cash prize of USD 1.35 million (approximately ₹11 Crore). However, this significant financial gain was not without its challenges—he reportedly had to pay a substantial ₹4.67 crore in income tax, which highlighted the responsibilities that come with such monumental success. Nonetheless, the victory solidified his status as one of the greatest chess players of his generation.

Gukesh D’s Family Support

Behind every successful player is a support system, and for Gukesh, that system has been his family. His father’s sacrifice of stepping away from his medical career to focus on Gukesh’s chess development is a testament to their unwavering support. In interviews, Gukesh’s father acknowledged that the decision was difficult but ultimately worthwhile, given the results Gukesh has achieved so far.

His mentor, Vishnu Prasanna, has also played a significant role in his chess development. A chess coach with years of experience, Vishnu Prasanna has helped Gukesh sharpen his skills, offering him valuable insights and strategies that have contributed to his rise in the chess world.

The Future of Gukesh D

At just 18 years old, Gukesh has already accomplished more than most chess players could hope to achieve in a lifetime. As he continues to dominate the chess world, the question remains: What’s next for this young prodigy? Given his incredible work ethic, strategic brilliance, and ability to overcome adversity, the future looks incredibly bright for Gukesh.

Whether he continues to defend his World Championship title, competes in more international tournaments, or eventually becomes a mentor for the next generation of chess players, one thing is clear—Gukesh D is not just a chess player; he is a phenomenon, and his legacy is just beginning.

Favorite Things

Net Worth

Social Media Accounts

Conclusion

In conclusion, Gukesh D is more than just a chess Grandmaster. He represents the spirit of dedication, sacrifice, and relentless pursuit of excellence. From his early days in Chennai to becoming the youngest World Chess Champion, Gukesh’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring players worldwide. As his career continues to unfold, one thing is certain: Gukesh D is destined to make a lasting impact on the world of chess for years to come.

Lesser Known Facts About Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa

Here are some lesser-known facts about Gukesh D, the Indian chess prodigy who has already achieved remarkable feats in his young career:

1. Gukesh’s First Chess Lesson Came at Age 7

While many chess prodigies start learning the game even younger, Gukesh’s journey began at the age of 7 in 2013. He was introduced to chess by his mother, Padma, who noticed his keen interest in the game. It wasn’t long before Gukesh’s natural aptitude for strategy became apparent, setting him on a trajectory to greatness.

2. A Fussy Eater

Despite his competitive nature and rigorous training, Gukesh is known to be a fussy eater at home. His mother has shared that he has very particular tastes when it comes to food. However, this changes when he is traveling for chess tournaments—he is more flexible and eats whatever is provided. This quirky aspect of his personality adds a touch of relatability to his otherwise intense and focused lifestyle.

3. He Started by Following Praggnanandhaa’s Style

In the early stages of his chess career, Gukesh was heavily inspired by R. Praggnanandhaa, another chess prodigy from India. Gukesh admired Praggnanandhaa’s style of play and initially tried to emulate his techniques and strategies. This influence played a role in shaping his early game, but Gukesh soon developed his own unique playing style.

4. His Family’s Sacrifices

While Gukesh’s talent is evident, his success wouldn’t have been possible without the sacrifices made by his family. His father, Rajnikanth, who is an ENT surgeon, gave up his professional career to focus entirely on supporting Gukesh’s chess journey. This meant stepping back from his medical work to be present at Gukesh’s tournaments, traveling with him, and ensuring he had everything he needed to succeed.

5. Gukesh’s Initial Fame Came from Winning the U-9 Asian School Chess Championship

Although Gukesh is widely known now for his victories against world-class players like Magnus Carlsen, his first major international success came in 2015 when he won the U-9 category of the Asian School Chess Championships in Singapore. This win put him on the map as a rising star in the chess world, even though he was still very young.

6. The Fastest to Beat Carlsen

One of Gukesh’s most remarkable achievements occurred on October 16, 2022, when he became the youngest-ever player to defeat Magnus Carlsen, the World Chess Champion, in a classical tournament. This victory, which came during the Aimchess Rapid Tournament, was a milestone not just for Gukesh but for Indian chess as a whole.

7. He Was Awarded the International Master Title at Just 11 Years Old

Before becoming a Grandmaster, Gukesh was awarded the title of International Master at the Cappelle-la-Grande Open in 2018, at the age of just 11. This early achievement was a stepping stone in his rise through the ranks of the global chess community, setting him up for his later Grandmaster title.

8. He is a Multi-Sport Enthusiast

Despite his dedication to chess, Gukesh doesn’t limit himself to the board. He enjoys playing other sports, including cricket, badminton, and table tennis. His involvement in these activities helps him maintain a balanced lifestyle, showing that his talents extend beyond just chess.

9. The Influence of Bobby Fischer and Viswanathan Anand

Gukesh looks up to chess legends such as Bobby Fischer and Viswanathan Anand. Fischer’s legendary chess style and Anand’s consistency and success have inspired Gukesh both on and off the board. In interviews, Gukesh has cited these two chess greats as his role models, and he continues to study their games to refine his own approach.

10. He Was a Key Contributor to India’s Historic Chess Olympiad Medal

In the 2022 Chess Olympiad, Gukesh played a crucial role in leading India to a bronze medal. His flawless performance with eight consecutive wins in the first eight rounds was instrumental in India’s success, though his loss in the 10th round to Uzbekistan’s Nodirbek Abdusattorov ultimately prevented a gold. Gukesh’s individual performance, however, earned him an individual gold medal.

11. Mentorship Under Vishnu Prasanna

Gukesh’s mentor, Vishnu Prasanna, has played an essential role in shaping his chess career. Prasanna, a seasoned chess player and coach, has provided guidance and insight into both strategy and psychology, helping Gukesh develop a more tactical and composed approach to the game.

12. Gukesh Has a Deep Interest in Biographies

When he’s not competing, Gukesh enjoys reading, particularly biographies of sportspeople. He finds inspiration in the lives and struggles of others, especially those who have overcome obstacles to achieve greatness. These stories help him stay grounded and motivated, offering a valuable perspective that goes beyond the chessboard.

13. The Youngest Ever World Chess Championship Contender

On April 22, 2024, Gukesh made history once again by becoming the youngest-ever chess championship contender after his game with Hikaru Nakamura ended in a draw. This victory placed him on the road to becoming a serious contender for the World Chess Championship, a title he would eventually claim in December 2024.

14. The Cash Prize and Tax Debates

After his triumph in the World Chess Championship, Gukesh was awarded a cash prize of USD 1.35 million (around ₹11 Crore). However, this achievement also brought its own set of challenges. Due to the substantial prize money, Gukesh was required to pay a tax of ₹4.67 crore, which sparked discussions around the financial and legal aspects of being a young, high-earning chess player in India.