Gukesh D To Pay Tax More Than MS Dhoni's IPL Salary After Becoming World Chess Champion : Check Deets

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Gukesh D, India's Grandmaster achieved a monumental milestone by clinching the World Chess Championship title, defeating China's Ding Liren in a thrilling final held in Singapore on Thursday, December 12.

The historic victory, which made Gukesh the youngest-ever world champion, was celebrated across the globe.

However, the celebration was accompanied by a wave of discontent on social media, as netizens voiced concerns over the significant income tax he would be required to pay following his remarkable achievement.

Earnings exceeding Rs 10 lakh are taxed at a rate of 30% in India. As a result, a substantial portion of Gukesh's prize money will be deducted in taxes.

Prize Money Of Gukesh

D Gukesh is reported to have earned approximately Rs 11 crore after his triumph at the World Chess Championship, which featured a total prize pool of Rs 21 crore. According to FIDE's regulations, players are awarded roughly Rs 1.68 crore for each victory, with the remainder of the prize pool split between the two finalists. The Indian prodigy secured three wins, amassing around Rs 5.04 crore, while Ding Liren claimed two victories, earning close to Rs 3.36 crore. The rest of the prize money was equally divided between the finalists, bringing Gukesh's total earnings to approximately Rs 11.34 crore.

How Much Taxes Will Be Deducted?

So as Gukesh's income is more than Rs 10 lakhs, he will be subjected to a 30% tax rate. Moreover, individuals with an income above Rs 5 crore are subject to an additional tax of up to 37%, along with an additional 4% levy for health and education. So in that case, the teenage prodigy will be required to pay a total of Rs 4.67 crore in taxes, which is actually more than MS Dhoni's IPL 2025 salary, which is around Rs 4 crore.

"I was dreaming this moment for last 10 years. Happy I realised this dream. I got a bit emotional because I was not expecting to win. But then I got a chance to press on. I've been dreaming about this and living this moment since I was 6 or 7. Every chess player wants to live this moment. I'm living my dream. I'd like to thank God from candidates till the championship'', the Chennai boy said after winning the Championship.