Indian chess is witnessing a golden era, with young prodigies like D Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi making waves on the international stage. Gukesh recently made history as the youngest-ever World Chess Champion at just 18, while Erigaisi is currently the highest-ranked Indian chess player, holding the fourth position globally.
D Gukesh: Youngest World Chess Champion at 18
Historic Victory in Singapore
D Gukesh clinched the World Chess Championship title by defeating reigning champion Ding Liren in a thrilling finale held in Singapore. The championship match consisted of 14 classical rounds, where Gukesh secured three wins, compared to Liren’s two, with nine games ending in a draw.
The decisive fourteenth game witnessed intense drama, with Liren attempting to force a tie-breaker. However, a critical blunder on the 55th move led to Liren’s resignation, marking a historic moment for Indian chess.
Gukesh’s World Ranking
Despite his monumental achievement, Gukesh is currently ranked fifth in the world. This puts him just behind his compatriot Arjun Erigaisi, who holds the fourth spot, making him the highest-ranked Indian chess player.
Arjun Erigaisi: India’s Top Chess Player
A Stellar Year in 2024
Arjun Erigaisi had an outstanding 2024, with remarkable achievements including:
- Winning the WR Chess Masters Cup
- Triumphing at the Stepan Avagyan Memorial
- Securing the Menorca Open title
- Individual gold on board three at the Chess Olympiad, where he scored an incredible 10 points in 11 games.
Milestone Achievements
Erigaisi became the top-rated Indian player in September 2024 and achieved a career-high rating of 2801 in December, making him:
- The second Indian to surpass the 2800-rating mark after Viswanathan Anand.
- The fifteenth-highest rated player in chess history.
Potential Gukesh vs. Erigaisi World Championship Face-Off
Chess enthusiasts are now buzzing about the possibility of a world championship showdown between Gukesh and Erigaisi. Viswanathan Anand, India’s chess legend, weighed in on the topic during a Reddit AMA session, stating:
“There’s a 5-10 percent chance it can happen.”
Such a face-off would be a monumental moment for Indian chess, showcasing the country’s dominance on the global stage.
A New Era for Indian Chess
The achievements of Gukesh and Erigaisi signal a resurgence of Indian chess, with young talents stepping up to challenge the world’s best. As the youngest World Chess Champion, Gukesh has proven that age is no barrier to greatness, while Erigaisi’s consistent rise reflects his immense potential and dedication to the game.
Key Highlights of Their Careers
| Player | Achievements | World Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| D Gukesh | Youngest World Chess Champion, defeated Ding Liren in 2024 | 5th |
| Arjun Erigaisi | WR Chess Masters Cup Winner, 2801 peak rating, India’s highest-ranked chess player in 2024 | 4th |
Looking Ahead
The future of Indian chess looks brighter than ever. With Gukesh’s world championship title and Erigaisi’s record-breaking ranking, the stage is set for India to dominate the chess world.
A potential title clash between these two prodigies would not only be a treat for fans but also a testament to the incredible talent emerging from India.
FAQs
1. How old is D Gukesh, the World Chess Champion?
D Gukesh became the youngest-ever World Chess Champion at the age of 18.
2. Who is the highest-ranked Indian chess player?
Arjun Erigaisi is currently the highest-ranked Indian chess player, holding the fourth spot globally.
3. What was Arjun Erigaisi’s peak rating?
Arjun Erigaisi achieved a career-high rating of 2801 in December 2024.
4. What were Gukesh’s achievements at the World Chess Championship?
Gukesh defeated defending champion Ding Liren with three wins, two losses, and nine draws across 14 games.
5. Is there a possibility of a Gukesh vs. Erigaisi world title match?
Yes, there is a 5-10 percent chance, according to Viswanathan Anand, of a championship match between Gukesh and Erigaisi.
