Mumbai: Gukesh Dommaraju paused to reflect on a significant memory from 11 years prior. He recounted how he sat in the audience, observing Indian chess icon Viswanathan Anand compete against Magnus Carlsen for the 2013 World Chess Championship title in Chennai.

“While I was in the stands, gazing into the glass box, I imagined how incredible it would be to be in that position one day,” Gukesh, the newly crowned world chess champion, stated during the post-match press conference of the 2024 World Championship in Singapore. “When Magnus emerged victorious, I aspired to be the one to reclaim the title for India. This aspiration, which I nurtured over a decade ago, has been the most significant pursuit of my life thus far... and now that it has transformed from a dream into reality, I believe that 8-year-old version of myself would be immensely proud.”

On Thursday, Gukesh realized that aspiration. By defeating reigning champion Ding Liren in the final match, the 18-year-old from Chennai became India’s second-world champion in classical chess and the youngest individual to attain this prestigious title.

As Ding resigned, the typically composed Gukesh was overcome with emotion, tears streaming down his face as the magnitude of his accomplishment settled in. “I became emotional because I did not anticipate winning from that position,” he explained. “I expected we would engage in a five or six-hour match that would end in a draw. I was mentally preparing for a lengthy tiebreaker when suddenly, I recognized the opportunity. In an instant, it was all over, and I had fulfilled my dream.”

In April, Gukesh triumphed in the Candidates tournament, which serves as the pathway to the World Championship match, against all odds. Since then, the young prodigy has taken every measure to secure the title, including collaborating with esteemed mental coach Paddy Upton.

Upton, a South African, is well-known for his work with the Indian cricket team that clinched the 2011 ICC World Cup and recently assisted the Indian men’s hockey team in winning bronze at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Gukesh remarked, “Our collaboration began in May, particularly in preparation for the World Championship and the significant stakes involved.” He emphasized the importance of being in the right mental state, noting that the experience has been both enjoyable and educational. A key topic of their discussions was the unpredictability of Ding’s performance. While Paddy may not possess a deep understanding of chess, he is well-versed in sports and the associated psychology.

Despite extensive preparation, Gukesh faced a challenging start to the World Championship, suffering a loss in the opening game. “Regardless of the preparation, arriving as an 18-year-old and losing in such a manner is humiliating; it was the most difficult challenge I encountered in the match,” he expressed.

Importantly, Gukesh received timely advice from Anand, a five-time world champion who had not officially been part of his team. “He was there to support me,” Gukesh stated. “He participated in most of the training camps and assisted remotely during several sessions.”

After his initial defeat against Ding, Gukesh fortuitously encountered Anand in the hotel elevator that evening. “He reminded me, ‘I had 11 games, you have 13 games,’” Gukesh recalled. “It was a reassuring moment, a reminder that this was merely one game and that the match was still ongoing. I would have my opportunities.”

Those opportunities did arise, and Gukesh capitalized on them, particularly in Game 14 on Thursday.

In his moment of success, he reflected on his journey and acknowledged the sacrifices his parents made to support his chess career. “We were not a financially stable family, so my parents faced numerous financial challenges,” Gukesh shared. “At that time, I did not fully comprehend the extent of their efforts. Around 2017-18, we were experiencing financial difficulties, and it was then that my parents’ friends stepped in to sponsor me, enabling me to continue playing. All the hardships my parents endured and the lifestyle adjustments they made were solely for my opportunity to compete.”

The family demonstrated remarkable perseverance, and Gukesh has now achieved the pinnacle of success in his sport by winning the most prestigious title available. Nevertheless, he clarified that this world title is merely “a part of the dream.”

“I aspire to remain at the highest level for as long as possible,” he stated. “Becoming world champion does not imply that I am the best player globally; that distinction belongs to Magnus. The presence of someone at such an elevated level serves as a source of motivation for me. It encourages me to engage in the necessary actions to attain the greatness that Magnus has realized.”

Additionally, there is a desire for him to compete against a fellow Indian for a world title. Gukesh is part of a new generation of exceptional players who are making significant waves in the chess community. “I hope we will continue to challenge one another, inspire each other, and achieve victories in team tournaments together,” he expressed.

At this moment, however, the chess world is under Gukesh's influence.

During the press conference, he was asked to encapsulate the significance of the title in a single word. Gukesh took a brief moment to gather his thoughts before responding.

He was asked in the press conference to explain in a word what the title meant to him. Gukesh, again, took a moment to collect his thoughts.

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