by Gukesh is the youngest ever World Chess Champion and second from India after Viswanathan Anand, Gukesh Dommaraju won the 2024 World Chess Championship, becoming the youngest world champion in history. He faced Ding Liren from China, the reigning champion, in a tightly contested match. This victory followed an impressive year for Gukesh, including a stellar performance in the Candidates Tournament, where he qualified to challenge Ding.
Gukesh showcased solid preparation and positional play, often forcing Ding into time pressure. Although most games ended in draws, there were moments where Gukesh demonstrated his tactical sharpness, particularly in middlegame transitions.
| Game | Date | Winner |
| Game 1 | November 25, 2024 | Ding Liren |
| Game 2 | November 26, 2024 | Draw |
| Game 3 | November 27, 2024 | D. Gukesh |
| Rest Day | November 28, 2024 | – |
| Game 4 | November 29, 2024 | Draw |
| Game 5 | November 30, 2024 | Draw |
| Game 6 | December 1, 2024 | Draw |
| Rest Day | December 2, 2024 | – |
| Game 7 | December 3, 2024 | Draw |
| Game 8 | December 4, 2024 | Draw |
| Game 9 | December 5, 2024 | Draw |
| Rest Day | December 6, 2024 | – |
| Game 10 | December 7, 2024 | Draw |
| Game 11 | December 8, 2024 | D.Gukesh |
| Game 12 | December 9, 2024 | Ding Liren |
| Rest Day | December 10, 2024 | – |
| Game 13 | December 11, 2024 | Draw |
| Game 14 | December 12, 2024 | D.Gukesh |
Overall Strategy:
- Gukesh prepared deeply, often entering positions where he could rely on his superior opening knowledge.
- He displayed a balanced mix of aggression and defense, knowing when to press for a win and when to steer towards a safe draw.
Gukesh Dommaraju
Style of Play:
- Dynamic and Tactical: Gukesh is known for his sharp tactical abilities and willingness to take calculated risks, especially in complex and unclear positions. He thrives in dynamic situations where precise calculation is critical.
- Versatile: He is comfortable playing both aggressively and positionally, adapting his approach based on the opponent and situation.
- Opening Preparation: Gukesh’s preparation is thorough, and he often enters sharp theoretical lines where he can test his opponents’ knowledge
Strengths:
- Composure Under Pressure: Gukesh’s mental fortitude is a defining characteristic. He rarely crumbles under time pressure or in critical situations.
- Endgame Proficiency: Despite his youth, Gukesh has demonstrated a mature understanding of endgames, often converting small advantages into wins.
- Adaptability: He adjusts his playing style effectively based on the position and opponent.
Weaknesses:
- Occasional Over-ambition: Gukesh’s inclination toward complex positions can sometimes backfire when his calculations are not perfect.
- Limited High-Level Match Experience: As a younger player, his experience against top-tier competition, especially in matches, is still growing
Ding Liren
Style of Play:
- Solid and Strategic: Ding is known for his positional mastery and ability to squeeze small advantages from seemingly equal positions. His style emphasizes long-term strategic plans over tactical fireworks.
- Endurance: Ding excels in long games, often outlasting opponents in drawn-out endgames.
Strengths:
- Deep Positional Understanding: Ding’s ability to play in subtle, quiet positions is unmatched, allowing him to dominate without flashy moves.
- Calm Under Pressure: His composure in difficult situations, both on and off the board, is a hallmark of his play.
- Proficiency in Rapid and Blitz: Ding has a strong record in faster formats, where his intuitive play and quick decision-making shine
Weaknesses:
- Time Pressure Challenges: Ding occasionally struggles with time management, leading to blunders in critical moments.
- Risk Aversion: His preference for solid play can sometimes result in missed opportunities to press for a win, especially against opponents willing to take risks
Match-Up Dynamics:
- Gukesh’s dynamism often clashes with Ding’s solid positional approach, creating exciting games with contrasting styles.
- Gukesh has an edge in creating complications, while Ding is more comfortable in controlled, strategic battles. The match’s outcome depends on who can impose their preferred type of position
World Chess Championship Winners:
- Wilhelm Steinitz (1886–1894)
Wins: 4 (1886, 1889, 1890, 1892) - Emanuel Lasker (1894–1921)
Wins: 6 (1894, 1896, 1907, 1908, 1910*, 1910) - José Raúl Capablanca (1921–1927)
Wins: 1 (1921) - Alexander Alekhine (1927–1935, 1937–1946)
Wins: 4 (1927, 1929, 1934, 1937) - Max Euwe (1935–1937)
Wins: 1 (1935) - Mikhail Botvinnik (1948–1957, 1958–1960, 1961–1963)
Wins: 5 (1948t, 1951*, 1954*, 1958, 1961) - Vasily Smyslov (1957–1958)
Wins: 1 (1957) - Mikhail Tal (1960–1961)
Wins: 1 (1960) - Tigran Petrosian (1963–1969)
Wins: 2 (1963, 1966) - Boris Spassky (1969–1972)
Wins: 1 (1969) - Bobby Fischer (1972–1975)
Wins: 1 (1972) - Anatoly Karpov (1975–1985)
Wins: 4# (1975d, 1978, 1981, 1984#) - Garry Kasparov (1985–2000)
Wins: 6 (1985, 1986, 1987*, 1990, 1993, 1995) - Vladimir Kramnik (2000–2007)
Wins: 3 (2000, 2004*, 2006**) - Viswanathan Anand (2007–2013)
Wins: 4 (2007t, 2008, 2010, 2012**) - Magnus Carlsen (2013–2023)
Wins: 5 (2013, 2014, 2016*, 2018*, 2021) - Ding Liren (2023–2024)
Wins: 1 (2023**) - Gukesh Dommaraju (2024–present)
Wins: 1 (2024)
Legend:
- *: Tie-breaker victory
- t: Tournament format
- d: Forfeit/Default win
- #: Match unfinished, champion retained title
- **: Unified title reign
