Google Celebrates D Gukesh’s Triumph At FIDE Chess World Chmapionship With A Vibrant Doodle
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Gukesh defeated the reigning champion, Ding Liren of China, in a nerve-wracking finale, signalling the dawn of a new era in global chess.
Google dedicates a doodle to D Gukesh crowing as Chess World Champion
India’s rising chess sensation, Gukesh Dommaraju, has etched his name in history as the youngest-ever World Chess Champion at just 18 years old. Google celebrated this monumental achievement with a vibrant Doodle, marking the momentous occasion. Gukesh defeated the reigning champion, Ding Liren of China, in a nerve-wracking finale, signalling the dawn of a new era in global chess.
The animated Doodle features chess pieces in Google’s signature colours—yellow, red, blue, and white. A click on the Doodle leads visitors to a dedicated “Celebrating Chess” page, honouring the timeless elegance of the game and its iconic 64-square board.
Following in the illustrious footsteps of chess legend Viswanathan Anand, Gukesh becomes only the second Indian to claim the coveted world title. Anand, a five-time world champion, inspired generations with his unmatched legacy. Gukesh’s victory marks a historic milestone for Indian chess and its growing prominence on the global stage.
In a dramatic final match, Gukesh secured 7.5 points to Ding Liren’s 6.5, clinching the championship with a decisive victory in the 14th and final classical game. The tightly contested game lasted four hours and 58 moves, keeping spectators on edge. As champion, Gukesh takes home a staggering $1.3 million (approximately ₹11.03 crore) from the $2.5 million prize pool.
Gukesh’s accomplishment breaks the record set by Russia’s legendary Garry Kasparov, who became the youngest world champion at 22 by defeating Anatoly Karpov in 1985. Having earned his spot as the youngest challenger to the title by winning the Candidates Tournament earlier this year, Gukesh has now become the 18th World Chess Champion in history.
Reflecting on his victory, Gukesh said, “I’ve been dreaming of this moment for the last 10 years. It feels incredible to turn that dream into reality.” Overwhelmed with emotion, he added, “I wasn’t expecting to win, and this moment means everything to me.”
Gukesh’s journey began in 2013 when, as a young boy, he watched his idol, Viswanathan Anand, battle Magnus Carlsen for the world championship in Chennai. “Seeing Vishy Sir and Magnus in the Glass Room, I dreamed of sitting there one day with the Indian flag beside me. That vision stayed with me,” he shared.
He further recalled, “In 2017, I declared my ambition to become the youngest world champion in history. Although I narrowly missed that milestone, bringing the title back to India is a moment of pride I’ll cherish forever.”
Gukesh’s triumph heralds a bright future for Indian chess, inspiring countless young players to aim for greatness.
