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Gukesh Dommaraju: Chess Prodigy from India
Full Name: Dommaraju Gukesh
Born: May 29, 2006
Birthplace: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Profession: Professional Chess Grandmaster
Gukesh Dommaraju, commonly known as Gukesh, is a rising star in the chess world. As one of the youngest Grandmasters in history, he is often compared to chess legends like Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand. Gukesh is part of a new wave of young Indian chess players who are taking the international chess scene by storm.
Chess Career Highlights
- Youngest Grandmaster in Indian History
- In 2019, at the age of 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days, Gukesh became the second-youngest Grandmaster in the world at the time.
- He narrowly missed breaking Sergey Karjakin’s record for the youngest-ever Grandmaster.
- Historic Achievements
- In August 2022, Gukesh surpassed Viswanathan Anand in the live FIDE rankings, making him the youngest Indian player to achieve this milestone.
- Gukesh played a pivotal role in the Indian team’s success at the 2022 Chess Olympiad, winning an individual gold medal on Board 1 with a stunning performance.
- Rapid Rise in Rankings
- Gukesh has been one of the fastest-climbing players in the FIDE rankings, entering the elite 2700+ rating club at just 16 years old.
- International Recognition
- Gukesh has consistently performed well in top-tier tournaments, often defeating experienced Grandmasters and showcasing exceptional maturity for his age.
Playing Style
Gukesh is known for his aggressive and fearless playing style, which draws comparisons to the legendary Garry Kasparov.
- Tactical Brilliance: He excels in sharp, tactical positions and isn’t afraid to take risks.
- Endgame Proficiency: Despite his aggressive style, Gukesh demonstrates a deep understanding of endgames, often outplaying his opponents in technical positions.
Family and Background
- Parents:
- Father: Rajinikanth Dommaraju, an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgeon.
- Mother: Padma, a microbiologist.
- Both of Gukesh’s parents have been highly supportive of his chess career, ensuring he has access to the best training and resources.
- Education: Gukesh has balanced his academic pursuits with his chess career, though chess has taken priority as his achievements have grown.
Net Worth
Gukesh Dommaraju’s estimated net worth is $1–2 million, a remarkable achievement for someone so young.
Sources of Income:
- Tournament Winnings:
- Gukesh has earned substantial prize money from winning or performing well in international tournaments.
- Sponsorships and Endorsements:
- As one of India’s brightest chess stars, Gukesh is backed by sponsors and organizations that support his journey.
- Collaborations with chess platforms like Chess.com and Play Magnus Group have further boosted his income.
- Scholarships and Grants:
- Gukesh benefits from government grants and chess federations that nurture young talent in India.
IQ and Intelligence
While Gukesh’s exact IQ score is not publicly documented, his chess achievements suggest exceptional cognitive abilities:
- Strategic Thinking and Memory: Like other prodigies, Gukesh has an incredible ability to calculate deep variations and recall complex positions.
- Rapid Learning Curve: His ability to adapt and excel against elite players at such a young age speaks to his advanced problem-solving skills and mental agility.
Top-level chess players often exhibit IQ scores in the range of 130–160, and Gukesh likely falls within this spectrum.
Future Prospects
At just 18 years old (as of 2024), Gukesh has already achieved milestones that place him among the world’s top chess players. Many experts believe he has the potential to challenge for the World Chess Championship in the future. With his rapid rise, fearless play, and unwavering support from his family, Gukesh is set to become one of the defining figures of modern chess.
