In a thrilling finale at the FIDE Candidates 2024, 17-year-old D. Gukesh emerged as the surprise champion after a dramatic draw against World No. 3 Hikaru Nakamura. The draw not only secured Gukesh the title but also set him up as the challenger to the reigning World champion Ding Liren later this year.
Gukesh, a sixth-seeded debutant, finished with nine points from 14 rounds, edging out Nakamura, Ian Nepomniachtchi, and Fabiano Caruana by half a point. The victory was worth a whopping €111,000, making it the biggest win of Gukesh’s young career.
The final round also saw R. Praggnanandhaa securing a victory against Nijat Asabov, while Vidit Gujrathi settled for a quick draw with Alireza Firouzja. However, all eyes were on the nail-biting 109-move draw between Caruana and Nepomniachtchi, which confirmed Gukesh as the ultimate winner.
With this victory, Gukesh also climbed to a career-best World No. 6 ranking, surpassing his compatriot Arjun Erigaisi to become the highest-ranked Indian player in the world. The young prodigy showcased his talent and resilience throughout the tournament, drawing games against top players and securing crucial wins when needed.
The FIDE Candidates 2024 provided a thrilling conclusion with Gukesh emerging as the dark horse who outshone the favorites to claim the prestigious title. As he prepares to face Ding Liren in the upcoming World Championship match, Gukesh’s remarkable journey is set to inspire a new generation of chess enthusiasts.