Gukesh Dommaraju (born 29 May 2006), widely known as Gukesh D, is an Indian chess grandmaster and the reigning World Chess Champion. A true prodigy, Gukesh made history as the youngest undisputed world champion and the youngest player ever to cross a FIDE rating of 2750, achieving the feat at just 17 years of age. He had earlier surpassed the 2700 Elo mark at 16, making him the third-youngest player in history to do so. Gukesh earned his Grandmaster title at the age of 12, becoming the third-youngest grandmaster of all time — a testament to his exceptional talent and discipline.

Introduced to chess at the age of seven, Gukesh’s rise was both rapid and remarkable. He claimed the Under-12 World Youth Chess Championship title in 2018 and captured several gold medals at the Asian Youth Chess Championship that same year. By March 2017, he had already fulfilled the norms required to become an International Master, showcasing extraordinary potential at an early stage. On 15 January 2019, at just 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days old, he became the second-youngest grandmaster in history — a record surpassed only by Sergey Karjakin at the time.

Gukesh was part of the Indian men’s chess team that earned the silver medal at the 2022 Asian Games, further enhancing his growing reputation on the international stage. That same year, he shone at the 44th Chess Olympiad, where he secured an individual gold and a team bronze medal, delivering a series of brilliant performances against some of the world’s strongest players. In September 2023 , Gukesh won  the another milestone by overtaking Viswanathan Anand’s 37-year reign as India’s top-rated chess player, signaling the arrival of a new generation of Indian dominance in the sport. His success continued at the 45th Chess Olympiad in 2024, where he captured both team and individual gold medals, solidifying his position among the world’s elite.

That same year, Gukesh made history once again by winning the 2024 Candidates Tournament, becoming its youngest-ever champion and earning the right to challenge Ding Liren for the world title. In the 2024 World Chess Championship, Gukesh defeated Ding with a final score of 7½–6½, becoming the 18th and youngest undisputed World Chess Champion at 18 years and 195 days old.

Widely admired for his composure, precision, and strategic mastery beyond his years, Gukesh’s success represents a defining moment for Indian chess. His achievements continue to inspire a new wave of young players worldwide, positioning him as one of the brightest and most influential figures in the modern chess era.