At just 18 years old, Gukesh D, aka Gukesh Dommaraju, is proving that age is no barrier to greatness. As a prodigy in the chess world, his meteoric rise has left everyone in awe.
With his talent and dedication, he's achieved what many could only dream of, including becoming the third-youngest grandmaster in history. But beyond the chessboard, Gukesh's story is a blend of family support, hard work, and growing net worth that is now making headlines.

Born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Gukesh D's story started like many chess legends: with humble beginnings and an unshakable passion for the game. In 2018, at the tender age of 12, Gukesh became the third-youngest grandmaster in chess history.
But he didn't stop there. In 2024, he made history again by winning the Candidates Tournament, earning the honor of being the youngest player ever to compete for the World Chess Championship. With a current FIDE rating of 2794 and a global ranking of #7, it's clear that Gukesh's place in the chess world is solidified.
It's no surprise that Gukesh D's net worth is making waves. With a total of ₹19.26 crore (per KhelTak), this young chess genius is already securing his financial future.
On Friday, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin dropped a bombshell by announcing a generous ₹5 crore reward for chess prodigy Gukesh D, who pulled off a remarkable feat by becoming the youngest world chess champion just a day earlier. And there's every indication that this amount will keep climbing in the days ahead.
But how exactly does a teenager make such a fortune? The answer lies in his consistent success at national and international tournaments, which comes with substantial prize money. While chess may not have the same media attention as cricket or football, top players like Gukesh enjoy handsome rewards for their skills.
Apart from tournament earnings, Gukesh is also on the radar for endorsement deals. Though specific brands haven't been announced yet, it's likely that he'll follow in the footsteps of other Indian chess legends like Viswanathan Anand, who has endorsed global brands such as AMD, NIIT, and Horlicks. With his rising fame, it's only a matter of time before Gukesh starts attracting similar offers.
Behind every great player is a strong support system, and Gukesh D is no exception. Born to Rajnikanth, an ENT surgeon, and Padma, a microbiologist, he comes from a well-educated family that has supported his chess journey from the very beginning.
Having achieved so much at such a young age, Gukesh D's achievements are being celebrated in style. As a token of appreciation for his remarkable success in the Chess Olympiad, Gukesh was gifted a Mercedes-Benz E-Class by his school, Velammal Vidyalaya (per DNA india). Valued between ₹87 lakh to ₹1.05 crore, the luxury vehicle is a symbol not only of his achievements but of the love and admiration he has earned through his hard work.
In today's digital age, success is often measured by social media followers, and Gukesh D is gaining quite the fan base. His Instagram has garnered 617K followers, while his X (formerly Twitter) account has a following of over 67K. As he continues to make waves in the chess world, Gukesh's popularity on these platforms is only going to grow.
Let's talk about Gukesh's accolades, which are stacking up fast:
Looking ahead, Gukesh D's future in the chess world looks incredibly bright. With his unparalleled skill and a growing fanbase, this young man is just getting started. Whether it's topping global rankings or securing more endorsements, Gukesh's journey is one to watch. And if his current trajectory is anything to go by, this chess genius is going to continue setting records and earning millions as he matures.