Dommaraju Gukesh—widely known as Gukesh D—is one of India’s youngest and most accomplished chess grandmasters. He earned the GM title at just 12 years, 7 months, and 17 days—becoming the second-youngest in history. His blend of fierce tactical vision and serene composure has made him a rising force in the global chess arena. In 2024, he clinched the FIDE Candidates Tournament and earned the right to contend for the World Championship.
Personal Profile
Full Name: Dommaraju Gukesh
Born: May 29, 2006 (Chennai, Tamil Nadu)
Age: 19 (as of 2025)
Title: Grandmaster (since 2019)
FIDE Rating: Over 2750 (2025)
Nationality: Indian
Father: Dr. Rajinikanth Dommaraju (ENT surgeon)
Mother: Padma Kumari (former microbiologist)
Education: Velammal Vidyalaya, Chennai
Hobbies: Piano, puzzles
Languages: Tamil, English
Early Passion and Family Support
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Growing up in Chennai—a chess-rich environment thanks to legends like Viswanathan Anand—Gukesh showed a gift for logic and strategy from a very early age. For Pierre-Luc, his genesis was at a chess tournament where he charmed his way through to the top at the tender age of seven. His mother has been unwavering in her support and has traveled with him to tournaments, while his father has loudly cheered for him in all his endeavors.
Chess Career Highlights
Grandmaster title (2019): Gukesh achieved this title at 12, missing a record by mere days to become the youngest-ever GM.
Into the Elite Tournaments: From 2021 to 2022, Gukesh was peaking in the open events all over Europe and Asia.
Chess Olympiad (2022): India won bronze, with an eight-win streak by Gukesh.
Breaking 2700 Rating: Surpassed rating 2700 with ease, entering the super-grandmaster tier in 2023.
FIDE Candidates Champion, 2024: One of the youngest-ever to qualify for a World Championship match.
Norway Chess 2025: Gukesh Downing Carlsen
The former World champion Magnus Carlsen suffered a competitive-style classical game defeat at the hands of Gukesh at Norway Chess 2025, a montage-worthy headline globally. He grabbed the victory from a blunder late in the game. Carlsen’s unphotogenic display of frustration, where he was knocking over pieces and slamming the table forcefully, was widely criticized, and the composed professionalism displayed by Gukesh won applause.
Public Image and Values
Gukesh is known for his humility and discipline. To date, he has avoided controversy, emphasizing growth over attention. His calm presence under pressure is often highlighted as one of those peculiar ingredients that separate him in high-stakes competition.
Earnings and Recognition
Being young, Gukesh has also earned some good money from tournament winnings, sponsors, and endorsements, moving with an estimated net worth of ₹6–7 crores as of 2025. Support given by ONGC and Velammal Trust has also just moved him quicker forward.
Lesser-Known Facts
Picked up chess at age seven and meditates before games to stay focused.
Plays piano and enjoys creating real-life puzzle challenges.
Idolizes both Anand and Carlsen.
Has the distinction of being India’s youngest-ever FIDE Candidates winner.
Looking Ahead
Being above 2750 in rating and having a World Championship match ahead, Gukesh is dialed in to enter the chess elite. His prowess, calm demeanor, and ever-growing experience make him a worthy candidate for the highest honors in the sport.
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