World Champion of Chess 2025: India’s Gukesh Makes History
When one says “world champion of chess,” it evokes images of legendary names—Steinitz, Lasker, Capablanca, Alekhine, Botvinnik, Fischer, Karpov, Kasparov, Carlsen, and more. Over time, this title has embodied not just extraordinary talent, but pioneering creativity, deep calculation, calm nerves under pressure, and the capacity to reinvent the game itself.
In recent years, India has emerged as a serious chess powerhouse. From the first Indian grandmaster Vishy Anand to a flourishing crop of young prodigies, the country’s chess story is as inspiring as the royal games themselves. Now, that story has reached a new high: D Gukesh Dommaraju is the reigning undisputed world chess champion.
How We Got Here: A Brief History of the World Chess Championship
The first official world chess champion was Wilhelm Steinitz in 1886. Since then, the title has changed hands through matches, often with great drama and rivalry.
In more recent decades:
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Viswanathan Anand became India’s first world champion (and first Indian grandmaster), winning the title multiple times (2000, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012).
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Magnus Carlsen then dominated the era from 2013 to 2023.
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After Carlsen declined to defend further, Ding Liren (China) claimed the title in 2023 in a match against Ian Nepomniachtchi.
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In a momentous showdown in 2024 in Singapore, Gukesh defeated Ding in a 14-game match, clinching the title at just 18 years old.
His win marks the first time in 138 years of world chess championship history that both the champion and challenger were from Asia.
Spotlight on Gukesh: India’s Chess Prodigy
Early Years & Rise
Born in 2006, Gukesh Dommaraju showed prodigious talent early on. Under rigorous training and with a passion for the game, he climbed the ranks, defeating strong international opponents and steadily accumulating grandmaster norms.
The 2024 Title Match
In the 2024 World Chess Championship, Gukesh and Ding played 14 classical games. The match was intensely close, but Gukesh’s grit prevailed with a final score of 7.5 to 6.5.
What stands out is how Gukesh kept pressing in critical moments, capitalizing on Ding’s errors and holding composure under pressure. Analysts have said that the match featured an ideal blend of preparation, resourcefulness, and psychological strength.
Challenges & Commentary
Some skeptics pointed out that Carlsen didn’t participate in the 2024 cycle, suggesting that Gukesh’s path was easier. But Gukesh’s team insists that the champion must beat who’s in front of them—and that he has, with style.
In 2025, Gukesh even defeated Carlsen in classical settings, adding legitimacy to his reign.
What “World Champion of Chess” Means for India
A New Era in Indian Chess
This moment revives the legacy of Vishy Anand and ushers in a new generation of champions. Indian chess academies, players, and fans are energized. With dozens of grandmasters already and many rising talents, India is now firmly global chess power.
Inspiration for Young Players
For a child in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, or a small town in Uttar Pradesh, Gukesh’s journey is living proof that age and background don’t limit dreams. Building fundamentals, disciplined studying, and resilient mindset matter.
Spotlight & Sponsorship
With a world champion title, more media attention, sponsorship opportunities, and institutional support will flow into Indian chess infrastructure—coaching, facilities, tournaments. This can raise the quality of chess at the grass-roots level.
The Traits of a True Chess Champion
What differentiates a world champion from a strong master? Here are some key traits:
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Creative Opening Preparation
Champions often reveal novelties in opening lines that surprise opponents. -
Deep Positional Understanding
They understand pawn structures, piece coordination, endgame subtlety. -
Calculation & Visualization
Multiple moves ahead, with accuracy under time pressure. -
Psychological Strength
Maintaining confidence, composure under stress, and bouncing back from mistakes. -
Work Ethic & Training
Years of dedicated study, analyzing games, training with mentors.
Gukesh embodies many of these. His rise is not just about talent, but relentless practice.
Legacy & Future Outlook
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Can Gukesh defend his title long term? The chess world will watch intensely.
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Future challengers like Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Ding Liren, and others will push him fiercely.
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For India, Gukesh’s reign could herald multiple world champions in years to come.
Why Chess Boards Matter—Especially Handmade Premium Ones
The board you play on is more than a surface; it’s the throne where your mind battles. A well-crafted chess board gives:
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Stability & feel
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Visual clarity of squares and pieces
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Aesthetic pleasure that elevates the game experience
At TajChess.com, we take pride in our handmade premium chess boards—crafted from quality wood, with artisan attention to detail. Whether you are a serious player or a collector, our boards enhance every move.
Connect More: Deepen Your Chess Journey
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Want to read more about world chess champions? Check out this excellent list of champions and their games: All The World Chess Champions Chess.com
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To learn more about our board craftsmanship and collections, see our Premium Chess Boards page on TajChess.
The title “world champion of chess” is no longer a distant dream for Indian players—it’s a reality with Gukesh’s ascent. His journey inspires every budding player in India.
To honour this spirit of mastery, we invite you to explore our handmade premium chess boards at TajChess.com. Let your every game be played on a board worthy of champions.
