In a breathtaking display of chess brilliance, the young Grandmaster Dommaraju Gukesh has etched his name in history by surpassing a live ratings record held by none other than the legendary Viswanathan Anand for an astounding 36 years.
Gukesh’s rise to prominence reached new heights as he stormed into the third round of the prestigious FIDE Chess World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan, securing a live ranking of 2755.9, edging past Anand’s 2754.0.
The 17-year-old chess sensation and Anand’s protégé has been on a meteoric ascent in the chess world, earning him the title of India’s top chess player. Breaking into the top 100 in 2023, Gukesh’s remarkable journey continues to captivate chess enthusiasts worldwide, now holding an impressive world ranking of 11, according to FIDE’s monthly list.
In a historic feat, Gukesh also became the youngest player ever to surpass the coveted 2750 rating milestone, leaving behind a record held by five-time World Champion Magnus Carlsen since July 2011. With Carlsen still reigning as the World No. 1 at a live rating of 2838.4, Gukesh’s ascent signals an electrifying shift in the chess hierarchy.
The ongoing FIDE World Cup in Baku serves as a crucial qualifier for the highly anticipated 2024 Chess World Championship, featuring 17 Indian chess masters, including Vidit Gujrathi, Arjun Erigaisi, R. Praggnanandhaa, Nihal Sarin, Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali R., Divya Deshmukh, and Nandhidhaa P. V. among others.
Amidst these outstanding achievements, Gukesh’s bond with Viswanathan Anand has become a captivating narrative. During a recent encounter in the SuperUnited Rapid and Blitz Croatia chess tournament, Anand sensed a new intensity emanating from his young protégé. Reflecting on their rare face-off, Anand recalled Gukesh’s focused and composed demeanour, leaving a lasting impression on the legendary grandmaster.
As the young talent continues to surge towards his ambitious goals, he remains humble and appreciative of Anand’s mentorship. With deep admiration for his idol, Gukesh recognizes the pivotal role Anand has played in shaping his chess journey. Expressing his aspirations to surpass Anand in the rankings, Gukesh remains grounded and acknowledges the unparalleled legacy that the chess icon has bestowed upon Indian chess.
A defining moment in their mentor-protégé relationship came at the Chess Olympiad in Chennai, where Gukesh’s near-victory against a formidable opponent left him disheartened. Understanding the emotional toll, Anand offered his support and counsel, providing valuable encouragement that helped Gukesh refocus on future challenges.
In a sport often characterized by competitive tension, the bond between Gukesh and Anand stands as an exception, representing a harmonious mentorship and genuine friendship. The chess world eagerly awaits Gukesh’s triumphs in the FIDE World Cup, where he might achieve the twin goals of breaking into the top 10 and qualifying for the Candidate Master tournament.
As Gukesh writes new chapters in chess history, his immense respect and admiration for Anand persist, underscoring the enduring impact of mentorship in the world of chess. With a unique blend of youthful ambition and the guidance of a true chess maestro, Gukesh’s journey reflects the sport’s timeless charm, inspiring generations of chess enthusiasts to come.