12-Year-Old Gukesh Wins Candidates Tournament and Secures Spot in World Chess Championship

Young Gukesh has just won the prestigious Candidates tournament in Toronto, becoming the youngest ever winner of the event. The tournament was held to select the challenger to the world champion, but the venue for the upcoming contest has not been confirmed yet.

Gukesh triumphed over established players like Hikaru Nakamura, Fabiano Caruana, and Ian Nepomniachtchi to secure his place as a rising star in the game. Despite their experience and success, Gukesh emerged victorious in his debut at the event.

With one round to go, Gukesh took the lead, with Nakamura, Caruana, and Nepomniachtchi just behind him. To secure his win, Gukesh only needed a draw in his final game as long as the game between Caruana and Nepomniachtchi also ended in a draw. And he did exactly that! His win makes him India’s youngest ever grandmaster at 12 years old.

Emil Sutovsky, CEO of FIDE shared exciting news on social media after Gukesh’s victory. He congratulated young Gukesh for making history and setting himself up to be India’s youngest contender at the upcoming World Chess Championship.