FIDE World Chess Championship 2024
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The FIDE World Chess Championship 2024 was held in Singapore, featuring reigning champion Ding Liren (China) and challenger Gukesh Dommaraju (India). At just 18 years old, Gukesh won the title, breaking Garry Kasparov’s record as the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion in history. By defeating Ding Liren, he became the ★18th Official World Chess Champion★.
📷 Gukesh D at the Candidates 2024 tournament 02
Eldar Azimov / Wikimedia Commons: (CC BY-SA 4.0 International) via Wikimedia Commons.
Winner: Gukesh Dommaraju
Born: 2006, Chennai, India
Gukesh Dommaraju is widely recognized as one of modern chess’s brightest prodigies. From an early age, his exceptional talent was evident as he quickly rose through national and international tournaments. After winning the 2024 Candidates Tournament, he secured his place as the challenger for the world title. At just 18, his aggressive yet deeply calculated playstyle and exceptional endgame technique allowed him to capitalize on critical moments against a formidable opponent. Prior to the championship, he surpassed former world champion Viswanathan Anand as India’s top‑rated player—marking a major generational shift in Indian chess.
Gukesh Dommaraju blends deep focus with cutting-edge preparation, combining classical training with computer-assisted analysis and elite coaching. His bold, record-breaking win in 2024 sparked a nationwide chess boom in India and inspired a new generation of players. Off the board, his discipline and relentless work ethic have earned respect from top grandmasters. This victory wasn’t just historic—it marked the beginning of a new era in global chess.
«I never think about breaking records—I just focus on playing my best chess.» – Gukesh Dommaraju
Opponent: Ding Liren
Born: 1992, Wenzhou, China
Ding Liren captured global attention when he became the 17th World Chess Champion in 2023 after defeating Ian Nepomniachtchi, earning him the distinction of being China’s first undisputed champion. Renowned for his deep positional understanding and exceptional endgame mastery, Ding is celebrated for his disciplined and strategic play. His extensive theoretical knowledge and experience have long placed him among the world’s elite players. However, in the run-up to the 2024 championship, his preparation was marked by a reduction in competitive play—a factor that raised concerns about his sharpness and form.
«Chess is the art of finding the best move in the worst situations.» – Ding Liren
Match Overview
🗓️ Match Dates: November 25 – December 12, 2024
📍 Location: Singapore
✅ Format: Best of 14 games
⏱️ Time Control: 40 moves in 2.5 hours, followed by an additional period—typically 1.5–2 hours—to complete the game, with an increment of approximately 30 seconds per move from the start.
💰 Prize Fund: $2.5 million USD total; $1.5 million awarded to the winner and $1 million to the runner-up.
📄 Main Sponsors: The championship is supported by state funding and contributions from major sporting institutions, ensuring a prestigious and meticulously organized event.
Historical and Cultural Context
The 2024 World Championship marked a generational shift at the highest level of chess. Held in Singapore—one of Asia’s most dynamic sporting venues—it brought together the discipline of tradition and the momentum of youth. Gukesh’s historic rise, culminating in his victory at just 18, echoed India’s deepening presence on the world stage and built on the foundation laid by Viswanathan Anand. Ding Liren, in turn, defended his title with tenacity and depth, proving once more the resilience of champions forged over decades. With advanced preparation methods, cutting-edge analysis, and a surge of youthful energy, the match offered a compelling glimpse into the future of elite chess.
FIDE World Chess Championship 2024 Games
Game 1
Game 2
Game 3
Game 4
Game 5
Game 6
Game 7
Game 8
Game 9
Game 10
Game 11
Game 12
Game 13
Game 14
FIDE World Chess Championship 2024
Gukesh Dommaraju, India
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FIDE World Chess Championship 2024 Sources
Quote Sources
- FIDE Press Conference: FIDE Press Conference, December 2024
- The Hindu: The Hindu – Coverage of Ding Liren
General Sources
- FIDE: FIDE Archives
- ChessBase: ChessBase Reports
- ESPN: ESPN Chess Coverage
- New in Chess Magazine: New in Chess Magazine
- Wikipedia: World Chess Championship
- Wikipedia: Ding Liren
- Wikipedia: Gukesh Dommaraju
Photo Credits
📷 Gukesh D at the Candidates 2024 tournament 02
Eldar Azimov / Wikimedia Commons: (CC BY-SA 4.0 International) via Wikimedia Commons, 11 April 2024.
📷 Pres Murmu confers Khel Ratna on Gukesh Dommaraju
President’s Secretariat (GODL‑India): (Official license details per Government Open Data License – India) via Wikimedia Commons, 17 January 2025.
Sources, image credits, and attributions for this championship are listed on this page. For general information about the World Chess Champions timeline, visit the main page.