Outlook Business Desk
At 18, D Gukesh became the youngest global chess champion, edging out China's Ding Liren after a rigorous three-week competition, surpassing Garry Kasparov’s record in the process, to become the youngest ever reigning champion
Born on May 29, 2006, in Chennai, India, Gukesh hails from a family that prioritizes education. His father, Dr. Rajinikanth, is an ENT surgeon, and his mother, Dr. Padma, is a microbiologist
Gukesh began his chess journey at the age of seven, dedicating several hours each week to honing his skills. His commitment quickly earned him recognition in local tournaments
Gukesh's chess career took off early with notable victories, including the Asian School Chess Championship (under-9 category) in 2015 and the World Youth Chess Championship in 2018. At the age of 12, he also won five gold medals at the Asian Youth Chess Championships
In 2023, Gukesh reached a significant milestone by becoming the youngest player to achieve a 2750 rating. By surpassing Viswanathan Anand, he secured his position as the highest-rated Indian chess player
By 2024, Gukesh's estimated net worth is Rs 8.26 crores ($1.5 million), largely earned through tournament winnings and endorsement deals.
Gukesh's income comes from winnings in national and international chess tournaments, where cash prizes are awarded. Additionally, top chess players in India receive financial support from the government