What does an eight-year-old boy usually dream of? Maybe a new video game, a favorite toy, or a fun trip. Perhaps meeting their favorite sports star. But Gukesh Dommaraju had a very different dream: he wanted to become the world chess champion.

This dream was born when Gukesh watched Indian chess legend Viswanathan ‘Vishy’ Anand play in the 2013 World Chess Championship in his hometown, Chennai. Gukesh’s father took him to the match, and the young boy was mesmerized by the atmosphere. Seeing the respect and support Anand received made a huge impression on him. However, Anand lost the match to Magnus Carlsen. “I felt bad that Anand Sir lost and thought I should bring the title back to India someday,” Gukesh said. That spark turned into a burning desire over time.

Fast forward to December 12, 2024, in Singapore, Gukesh’s dream came true. At just 18 years old, he became the youngest world chess champion in history, breaking the record set by the legendary Garry Kasparov, who won his first title at 22.

Breaking Records, Making History

Gukesh became a grandmaster at the age of 12, a remarkable feat achieved by only a few. Over the years, he kept climbing higher. To win the world championship, he defeated China’s Ding Liren. After 13 intense rounds, the two were tied. But in the final game, a single mistake by Ding on the 55th move gave Gukesh the edge he needed.

Not everyone was impressed. Former world champion Magnus Carlsen criticized the match, calling it “like the third round of an open tournament.” However, Garry Kasparov came to Gukesh’s defense, pointing out that every world championship has its share of mistakes. “Matches take a toll,” he said. Kasparov also praised Gukesh, calling his victory “a summit not just for chess, but for making his mother proud.”

The Role of Family Sacrifice

Gukesh’s success story is not just his own. His parents played a crucial role. Gukesh’s father, Rajinikanth, is a doctor, and his mother, Padma Kumar, is a professor at a medical college. Neither had any experience with chess. But once they saw their son’s passion, they fully supported him.

As Gukesh began competing internationally, his father quit his job six years ago to travel with him and manage his career. The family went from living a comfortable life on two incomes to relying solely on his mother’s earnings. Padma worked longer hours and even dipped into their savings to fund Gukesh’s tournaments.

“More than me, my parents had to face struggles,” Gukesh said. “They made sure I never felt the burden. All I had to do was focus on improving my game. I can’t thank them enough.”

A Guiding Light: Viswanathan Anand

Another key figure in Gukesh’s journey is Viswanathan Anand. Not only did Anand inspire Gukesh’s dream, but he also mentored him. Gukesh became one of the first students at the Westbridge Anand Chess Academy (WACA), founded by Anand in 2020 to nurture young Indian chess talent.

Anand guided Gukesh through tough times. During the world championship, after Gukesh lost the first match, Anand reminded him of his own experience. “I told him I lost my first match too but came back to win. He had 13 matches to turn it around, and he did,” Anand said.

Anand’s academy provides not just training but also financial support for young players. Gukesh’s victory is a testament to the academy’s success.

A New Era for Indian Chess

Chess in India has long lived in the shadow of cricket. But Gukesh’s victory is a game-changer. Viswanathan Anand was the 15th world chess champion, and his success laid the foundation for a chess revolution in India. Today, there are six Indians in the top 26 chess players globally, with three in the top ten.

Sports journalists believe Gukesh’s win will inspire a new generation of chess players in India, boosting the country’s presence on the global chess stage.

A Moment of Triumph

When Gukesh won the championship, he didn’t celebrate with loud cheers. Instead, he quietly rearranged the chess pieces on the board, his eyes filled with tears. “The winning moment came suddenly, and I couldn’t control my emotions. It was excitement, relief, and happiness all at once,” he said.

From a young boy in Chennai dreaming of greatness to the youngest world chess champion, Gukesh’s journey is one of passion, sacrifice, and relentless determination. His story is not just about winning a title; it’s about proving that with hard work and the right support, even the loftiest dreams can come true.