Chess: Who Is D Gukesh? Profile, Career, Achievements, ILO Rating & Mentor Details of FIDE Candidates Tournament 2024 Winner

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D Gukesh, the 17-year-old Indian Grandmaster, etched his name in the record books with his historic triumph at the FIDE Candidates tournament held in Toronto.

The remarkable achievement of the prodigious Indian Grand Master not only solidifies his position as one of the brightest talents in the game but also sets him on a path towards challenging for the coveted World Championship title.

D Gukesh Becomes Challenger To Reigning FIDE World Champion

Emerging triumphant with a stellar performance, Gukesh secured the top position in the eight-player competition with an impressive tally of nine points. This feat not only distinguishes him as the youngest winner of the FIDE Candidates tournament but also marks him as only the second Indian to qualify for a World Championship final, after legendary Viswanathan Anand.

Gukesh D Mentor & Academy

Gukesh is following in the footsteps of Anand, who also happens to be his mentor. Gukesh trains at the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy (WACA).

D Gukesh Journey In Chess

Gukesh's journey in chess commenced at the tender age of seven in his hometown of Chennai. Introduced to the game during his school days, he swiftly ascended the ranks, earning the title of FIDE-rated player within a mere six months of initiation.

His initial international success came in 2015 when he clinched victory at the U-9 Asian Schools Chess Championship, simultaneously earning the prestigious Candidate Master (CM) title.

The young chess virtuoso's accolades continued to mount as he secured victory at the U-12 World Youth Chess Championship in 2018, showcasing his prowess on the global stage. Additionally, his dominance was reaffirmed with a remarkable haul of five gold medals at the 2018 Asian Youth Chess Championships across various formats.

Gukesh attained a new high in his career in January 2019 when he attained the title of Grandmaster (at the age of 12 years, seven months, and 17 days), making him the third youngest in history to achieve this milestone. Despite narrowly missing out on the record set by Sergey Karjakin, Gukesh's remarkable feat solidified his status as a prodigy of unparalleled talent.

Continuing to defy expectations, Gukesh showcased his prowess at the 44th Chess Olympiad in 2022, clinching an individual gold medal and leading India to a commendable bronze-medal finish. His ascent continued as he surpassed the coveted 2700 rating points mark, joining the ranks of esteemed players at a remarkably young age.

Gukesh D Latest FIDE Rating

The current FIDE Rating of Gukesh D is ILO 2743. He is currently ranked 16th in the world in the open category, topped by one of the greatest-ever chess players, Magnus Carlsen (ILO 2830) of Norway. US GM Fabiano Caruana is second in the latest FIDE World Ratings.

Arjun Erigaisi (ILO 2756) is the top-ranked Indian at ninth position in the latest FIDE Ratings, followed by Anand (11th position, ILO 2751), R Praggnanandhaa (14th, ILO 2747) and Gukesh.

Gukesh Becomes Youngest FIDE Candidates Winner

In a testament to his skill and determination, Gukesh emerged as the youngest player to defeat former world champion Magnus Carlsen at the Aim Chess Rapid tournament, further cementing his reputation as a force to be reckoned with in the world of chess.

With his recent qualification for the 2024 Candidates Tournament, Gukesh has once again demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level. As the youngest challenger ever for the World Championship title, he stands poised to etch his name in history as the youngest World Chess Champion should he emerge victorious against reigning champion Ding Liren.